The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 14) said as five confirmed cases and one preliminary positive case of COVID-19 recently occurred at Yan Shek House, Shek Yam Estate in Kwai Chung, which involved units 09 at three different floors, the CHP is proactively following up to investigate whether the infections of the cases are related, so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.

     The CHP has co-ordinated with related Government departments and conducted a site inspection this afternoon to the concerned floors and units of Yan Shek House to investigate and examine if environmental factors were involved in the infection of the cases. The CHP took into account the opinions from experts and decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control before the relevant departments completed their inspection of the vent pipes of the building. The DH will issue quarantine orders to all asymptomatic residents of 09 units on all floors of Yan Shek House (1st Floor to 40th Floor) and transfer them to quarantine centres; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment.

     The Government will exercise power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to require any person who had been present at Yan Shek House for more than two hours at any time during the period from January 1 to 14 (including but not limited to residents, visitors and workers) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test by January 17.

     The CHP spokesman urged all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with exposure to infection risk, to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons.

     For the well being of members of the public and public health safety, the Government appeals to the co-operation of all related residents to participate in the testing and stay home until the results of the tests are available, so as to prevent the risk of spreading the virus in the community.

Ends/Thursday, January 14, 2021
Issued at HKT 20:55

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