CHP investigates three additional confirmed cases of COVID-19
*************************************************************
Among the newly reported cases announced, two are imported cases and the remaining one is a local case with unknown sources.
Meanwhile, the genetic sequencing for case 12032, which involves the L452R mutant strain, by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch was found to be identical to the genomes of two previous imported cases (cases 12001 and 12005), which suggests that the three cases might be epidemiologically linked.
As all of the three cases stayed at Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong on the same floor for compulsory quarantine after arrival in Hong Kong on August 1, the CHP conducted a site visit to the hotel with the relevant government departments and experts this morning (August 17). The CHP is of the view that case 12032, who had stayed in the room opposite to the room where cases 12001 and 12005 had stayed, might have been infected with the virus through airborne transmission when cases 12001 and 12005 opened their hotel room door to submit samples.
In view of the above, the CHP has arranged for 13 persons who stayed from August 1 to 4 on the same floor with the case in Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong to undergo compulsory quarantine.
Taking into consideration the above epidemiological information and genetic sequencing findings, the CHP has reclassified case 12032 from an imported case to epidemiologically linked with imported cases.
After the reclassification, a total of 46 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (August 3 to 16) including a local case with unknown sources and an import-related case, while the rest are imported cases.
In view of the fact that many recent imported cases have joined non-essential travel after vaccination, the spokesman for the CHP stressed, "The global situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility, and there are also reports of breakthrough infections in some vaccinated individuals. The CHP strongly urged members of the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong, in particular to specified places with high risk under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H)."
The spokesman reminded, "If travel is unavoidable, the CHP highly recommended the public to be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before their departure. They should continue to wear a surgical mask and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Parents are also urged to avoid taking unvaccinated children travelling."
Separately, according to the testing and quarantine arrangements for local COVID-19 cases with mutant strains, the CHP reminded that persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on days 3, 7, 12 and 19 following the announcement of the relevant confirmed cases by the DH. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day. Relevant deadlines of compulsory testing for respective specified premises are listed on the Government's website at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf.
Specified persons in relation to the following specified premises are also reminded to undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the compulsory testing notice tomorrow (August 18):
- Sea View Mansion, 82-87 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun.
The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk). Generally speaking, vaccines can reduce the chance of transmission by those who have been vaccinated. People vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine can also generate herd immunity. Moreover, vaccination may help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19.
The CHP called on members of the public to pay attention to their health condition, seek medical advice early and undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid testing as soon as possible if respiratory symptoms develop. They should also maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times, to protect themselves against infection and prevent the spread of the disease in the community.
On a personal level, members of the public should put on a surgical mask when they need to go out. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask. Hand hygiene should be performed frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing. Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative. Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly.
To ensure household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) by pouring about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap). They should also pay attention to hygiene when using the toilet by putting the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.
Ends/Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:28
Issued at HKT 19:28
NNNN