CHP investigates five additional confirmed cases of COVID-19
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The newly reported cases are imported cases. Three of the cases involved mutant strains while the viral load of one case is insufficient for mutation tests and the mutation test result of the remaining case is pending. The patients comprise three males and two females, aged between 15 to 57 years. One of them arrived in Hong Kong from a Group A specified place (high-risk) and four of them from Group B specified places (medium-risk). Among them, cases 12376 and 12378 underwent compulsory testing in accordance with the relevant requirements for exempted persons. Their samples collected on November 8 at a community testing centre (Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre) and a mobile specimen collection station (Tung Chung North Park) respectively tested positive for COVID-19. Cases 12377 and 12379 tested positive in a test on November 8 after completion of compulsory quarantine. The remaining patient tested positive during the "test-and-hold" arrangement upon arrival at the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at Hong Kong International Airport.
A total of 39 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (October 27 to November 9) and all of them are imported cases.
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 DH has also been closely monitoring the mutant strains of SARS CoV-2 and has uploaded the relevant information on Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs), based on whole genome sequencing results, to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/statistics/data/10/641/100135/6973.html). The data will be updated regularly.
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 urges 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 recommends the public to be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before their departure. They should avoid participating in non-essential mass gatherings or events held outside Hong Kong. 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."
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, COVID-19 vaccination can prevent COVID-19 infection, and if infected, reduce the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
ýÿýÿThe 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. For more related health advice, please refer to the website www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/health-advice.html.
Ends/Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:20
Issued at HKT 18:20
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