​Hongkong Post said today (December 13) that a postman was notified by his private doctor that he was preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) this afternoon.
The postman concerned works for the General Post Office Delivery Office (GPO/DO) and discharges delivery duty for Nos. 110 to 176F of Queen's Road Central, Nos. 74 to 82 of Stanley Street, as well as Nos. 83 to 133 and 166 to 198 of Wellington Street. GPO/DO is not opened to public and it is separated from other working units in the same building including the post office. He last performed duty on December 11 and felt unwell at the same night. He did not report for duty on December 12 and sought medical advice from a private doctor. Today he received the doctor's notification of the preliminary positive result. The postman has been sent to the community treatment facility at AsiaWorld-Expo for medical treatment.
The postman has no recent travel history. He has been wearing masks while performing outdoor duties and working in the delivery office. His body temperature was normal during temperature screening at work.
Pursuant to the guidelines set out by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), GPO/DO will be closed on December 14 and 15 for thorough cleaning and disinfection. Hongkong Post is rendering its full support to the CHP for its investigation and tracing effort. About 250 staff members of GPO/DO will undergo COVID-19 testing. While awaiting for the test result, the staff concerned will rest at home.
Meanwhile, Hongkong Post has instantly activated its contingency plan by deploying internal resources to maintain delivery services for the district (including Admiralty, the Peak, the Mid-levels, Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Poon and Kennedy Town) as far as possible, with a view to minimising the influence to the public. In spite of this, part of the delivery service during this period may still be subject to delays. Hongkong Post apologises for the inconvenience caused.
Tomorrow Hongkong Post will send staff to management offices of buildings where the postman concerned visited for delivery service before to notify them of the incident. Notice will also be put up at these buildings to inform the households and commercial tenants about the situation. Members of the public may call the Mail Distribution Division's hotline at 2723 3454 during office hours for further enquiry.
Hongkong Post has always attached great attention to the occupational health and safety of its staff. During the epidemic, it has been strictly implementing various precautionary measures, including body temperature screening for all staff members and providing them with protective gear such as face shields, protective goggles, masks, alcohol-based handrub, gloves and alcohol swabs, as well as requiring them to wear masks when performing duties and stepping up the cleaning of the working environment.
Hongkong Post will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff members are also reminded to take note of their personal hygiene and stay vigilant at all times. In case of feeling unwell, they are advised to seek medical advice immediately.
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