The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster made the following announcement today (January 31) regarding a nurse who tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19:

     A nurse of North Kwai Chung General Out-patient Clinic tested preliminarily positive when undertaking a regular rapid antigen test yesterday (January 30). Further testing was arranged in Princess Margaret Hospital later, which also confirmed the preliminary positive result. The nurse is now under isolation treatment and is in stable condition.

     The hospital infection control team commenced a contact tracing investigation immediately. An operation assistant was identified as a close contact, who required quarantine due to having a conversation with the nurse without a mask in a pantry. The operation assistant has tested negative by a rapid antigen test. Further testing will be arranged to confirm the result.

     The nurse's last duty was on January 28. She was responsible for patient counselling on chronic disease management and was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. The nurse had no contact with patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection and was not involved in any high risk clinical procedures. 

     The clinic has arranged a thorough cleaning and disinfection. Infection control measures have been reinforced. The clinic will continue to closely monitor the health condition of staff members and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation.

Ends/Monday, January 31, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:10

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