The Department of Health announced today (January 18) that a staff member of its Tsuen Wan Government Offices Dental Clinic has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In consideration of public health and hygiene, the clinic was closed immediately for thorough cleaning and disinfection. Affected clients will be contacted to reschedule their service appointments.

     The staff member concerned is a clerical-grade staff. She last performed duties on January 14. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work and she remained asymptomatic all along. She wore a surgical mask while performing duties and properly maintained social distancing with people she contacted. Her residential building was included in the compulsory testing notice on January 14. She underwent a COVID-19 test on January 15 and the test result was negative, but her household contact was confirmed with COVID-19 infection on January 16. She developed symptoms on January 17 evening and was sent to hospital for testing. The preliminary test result today was positive.

     The DH's Centre for Health Protection has initiated an epidemiological investigation on the above case. Relevant contact tracing is ongoing to identify and trace close contacts of the staff member. The DH is highly concerned about the COVID-19 situation and has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures during the epidemic, which include providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, stepping up the cleaning and sanitising measures of the working environment, and reminding all staff to maintain personal hygiene and be vigilant at all times.

Ends/Monday, January 18, 2021
Issued at HKT 15:45

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