The Civil Aid Service (CAS) has learned that a member was tested positive for COVID-19 on January 27 and she was a close contact of another member (Member A) who was tested positive earlier on January 24. The CAS is highly concerned about the cases.

     Member A was on duty between January 23 and the early hours of January 24. As he had used some of the facilities in the CAS Headquarters before reporting for duty and after going off duty, those facilities have been listed as specified locations for compulsory testing. Those who have been to the locations during the specified periods have to undergo compulsory testing and suspend their duties until they have obtained the test results. Given that the locations subject to compulsory testing are limited, it is estimated that only a small number of CAS personnel are required to undergo compulsory testing and there will be no impact on the management of the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre.

     As regards the member tested positive for COVID-19 on January 27, she had a meal with Member A after going off duty in the morning of January 24. She was subsequently identified as a close contact and had to undergo quarantine, during which the test result was positive.

     Both members have not been on duty at the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre after January 24.

     The CAS has arranged for thorough cleansing and disinfection of the areas where the two members worked. Meanwhile, the CAS will maintain close liaison with the Centre for Health Protection and will strictly follow and implement various disease prevention measures. All staff will also be reminded to enhance the efforts to observe personal hygiene.

     Currently, the CAS manpower is sufficient and the operation of the quarantine centre remains normal.

Ends/Saturday, January 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:40

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