The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Coronavirus OC43 in a male ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (December 31):
 
     One more 59-year-old patient and a staff member in the ward had presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patient and the test result was positive for Coronavirus OC43. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The staff member is currently on leave. Coronavirus OC43 is a known human coronavirus, which usually causes a mild respiratory infection such as a common cold.
 
     Admission to the ward has been suspended, and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:13

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