The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) today (February 23) learnt that a Clerical Officer has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Clerical Officer concerned works at the REO's office on the 13th floor of the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, and is responsible for back-end support of voter registration. The office concerned is not open to members of the public. He last performed duties yesterday (February 22) and was admitted to hospital for treatment.
The Clerical Officer concerned has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties. His body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.
In consideration of public health and hygiene, the REO office on the 13th floor of the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre has been closed this afternoon for thorough cleaning and disinfection. The enquiry counter and the Electoral Information Centre located on the same floor will suspend service until further notice. Since the Enquiry Hotline team are working on the same floor of the premises, the REO's telephone enquiry service is also affected and the service will only operate on a limited scale until further notice.
During the pandemic, the department has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures, including measuring the body temperature of people entering the office, providing facial masks and other personal protective equipment for staff, and requesting staff to wear facial masks when in contact with others and at public places. Cleaning and sterilising measures of the working environment of the department have also been stepped up.
The REO is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic. Staff are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.
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