A Customs Officer preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

     The officer's last working day was February 1. He had meal with his friend after his last working day and his friend later tested positive for COVID-19. The officer preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 last night (February 5).

     The officer is posted to Hong Kong International Airport and performed baggage inspection duties at the Apron. He has no travel history in the past 14 days and has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties. He is now in stable condition.

     All Customs frontline officers working at Hong Kong International Airport have all along been arranged by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) to undergo COVID-19 testing once every two days. Up till now, test results of the other officers have been negative.

     The C&ED is highly concerned about the incident and has taken the following measures:

(1) Arrangements have been made for all departmental staff who might have been in contact with the Customs Officer concerned to undergo COVID-19 tests;
 
(2) Cleaning and sterilisation arrangements at the working places of the Customs Officer concerned have been made;
 
(3) All officers have been further reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and reduce social contact to minimise risks of infection. If feeling unwell, they should report the case and consult a doctor immediately; and
 
(4) Flexible manpower deployment has been made to ensure provision of services remains unaffected.

     The C&ED will maintain close communication with the Department of Health and will fully co-operate to trace close contacts of the officer concerned.

Ends/Sunday, February 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 1:36

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