The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 4) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, February 4, the CHP was investigating 109 additional confirmed cases and 22 additional asymptomatic cases in the past 24 hours (i.e. there were 131 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus confirmed by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) in those 24 hours). Hong Kong has recorded a total of 14 715 cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The newly reported cases consist of one imported case and 130 locally acquired cases (including 71 cases epidemiologically linked with previous cases). One-hundred-and-twenty-six of the cases involve mutant strains, the mutation test results of two cases are pending and the viral load of the remaining three cases is insufficient for mutation tests. For case details and contact tracing information, please see www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/20220204_covid19_daily_annex.pdf or the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk). Case status and classification may be subject to changes when there is new information available during epidemiological investigation and latest information is shown on "COVID-19 Thematic Website".

     As at 4pm today, a total of 1 488 cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been reported in the past 14 days (January 21 to February 3). Six-hundred-and-eighty-five of them are epidemiologically linked with imported cases/possibly import-related, 158 are local cases, 410 are cases epidemiologically linked with local case, and the rest are imported cases.

     During the past week, among the cases reported since January 1, 112 asymptomatic cases at the time of reporting changed to confirmed cases after hospital admission. As at yesterday, the total number of confirmed cases were 14 126, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases, unknown/pending cases recorded since January 1 were 445, nine and four respectively.

     Separately, to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus, the CHP has arranged/will arrange the residents concerned of the following building(s), where cases suspectedly related to environmental factors (including vertical/horizontal transmission, adjacent yard area and shared pipes) were detected, to undergo quarantine at quarantine centre:
 

• Hing Ping House, Tai Hing Estate, Tuen Mun (involving a total of 26 cases at 14 units, including units 21 on four floors, units 19 on two floors, units 42 on two floors, four units of 10th floor (including the unit 21 and 42 aforementioned), as well as four units on different floors facing different directions): residents of units 19 and 42 on all floors and residents of unit 13 to unit 24 on 9th and 10th floor;
• Kwai Foon House, Kwai Fong Estate (involving three cases at units 06 on three floors): residents of units 06 on 26th to 40th floor.

     According to the testing and quarantine arrangements for cases with mutant strains, persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on specified dates in accordance with the announcement by the DH. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day (see the details of the buildings and dates of testing at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf).

     The CHP strongly reminded members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo the multiple tests on time as required. The compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well. The Government will seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. Relevant officers of different government departments are empowered to perform certain functions under the relevant Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), including requesting individuals to provide information and assistance when necessary. Any person who fails to comply with the relevant request commits an offence and would be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000). The Government reiterates that the aim of issuing a compulsory testing notice is to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community as soon as possible to protect overall public health and safety.

     â€‹The spokesman for the CHP stressed that 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. With the higher transmissibility and risk of infection of the Omicron mutant strain, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with the recently tightened social distancing measures, and to refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings (particularly religious or cross-family activities and gatherings). This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (February 4) that the FEHD continued to step up its inspections territory wide and conducted joint operations with the Police in multiple districts across the territory, so as to take stringent enforcement actions against operators, staff and customers of catering businesses and other premises in defiance of the anti-epidemic regulations during the Lunar New Year (LNY) holidays. The spokesman again reminded parties concerned to remain vigilant and strictly comply with the requirements and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) (the Regulation). The FEHD will continue to conduct enforcement operations proactively, and urges premises operators not to defy the law.

     In the operations over the past four days (January 31 to February 3), the FEHD and the Police inspected a total of 256 catering premises and seven other premises during the joint operations; and the FEHD on its own inspected a total of 1418 catering premises and 371 other premises. The FEHD initiated procedures on prosecution against operators of 35 catering premises suspected of breaching the requirements under the directions. Among the requirements suspected to have been breached, 15 related to mask-wearing, seven related to the distance or partition between tables, six related to ensuring scanning of "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code by customers, two related to display of notice concerning air change or air purifiers, one related to maximum number of persons allowed to be seated together at one table, one related to ensuring staff to comply with vaccination requirement, one related to both display of notice concerning air change or air purifiers and the distance or partition between tables, one related to both ensuring scanning of "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code by customers and ensuring air purifiers to be switched on and function properly; and one related to mask-wearing, display of notice concerning mode of operation and notice concerning air change or air purifiers. The FEHD also required these premises to take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission. They had to, on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises from 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, and allow no more than two persons to be seated together at one table, ranging from three, seven to 14 days. In addition, the FEHD also issued fixed penalty tickets to two customers suspected of breaching the requirement of scanning "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code and one staff suspected of breaching the vaccination requirement. During the joint operations, the Police also took enforcement actions, including issuing fixed penalty notices.

     If a person responsible for carrying on a catering business contravenes the Regulation, he or she is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who are present at any premises of a catering business must comply with directions applicable to them. Non-compliance with the relevant directions would be an offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000. The liability may be discharged by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. In addition, for customers in breach of the requirement on the maximum number of persons per table within catering premises, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G). For customers not wearing a mask when they are eating or drinking not at a table therein or they are not eating or drinking, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for contravening the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I).

     Separately, with the increased pedestrian flow at Flower Market, Mong Kok prior to the LNY, some shops placed goods on walkways and carriageways, impeding the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Apart from implementing crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements at the vicinity of Flower Market Road, the Government also stepped up inspections and enforcements to keep the passageways clear. From January 14 to 31, the FEHD issued 110 advisory letters to shop operators at Flower Market, appealing to them to exercise self-discipline and not to obstruct passageways. During the same period, 383 fixed penalty notices (FPNs), 32 summons and 74 verbal warnings were also issued by the FEHD against shops causing obstruction by placing articles in public places. Besides, 22 summonses were also issued against hawking in public place without licence and 14 Notices to Remove Obstruction were also issued against obstruction to scavenging operations. In the small hours of the LNY's Day (February 1) after shops at Flower Market were closed, the FEHD immediately arranged contractors to conduct large scale cleansing operation and collected around 100 tonnes of refuse and paraphernalia.

     In addition, to combat illegal cooked food hawkers and avoid crowd gatherings, the FEHD and the Police stepped up patrol at the vicinity of Portland Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street South during the LNY and its eve (January 31 to February 3), and no illegal hawking activity was found.

     Furthermore, to keep passageways clear, the FEHD and the Police also stepped up inspections and enforcements at the streets around Pei Ho Street Market area in Sham Shui Po. From January 24 to February 3, the FEHD issued 269 advisory letters to shop operators at the area, appealing to them to exercise self-discipline and not to obstruct passageways. During the same period, 73 FPNs and 152 verbal warnings were also issued by the FEHD against shops causing obstruction. Eight arrests and 17 seizures were made, as well as 119 summonses and 255 verbal warnings were also issued against hawking in public place without licence. 80 Notices to Remove Obstruction were also issued against obstruction to scavenging operations. FEHD contractors also conducted large scale cleansing operation and collected around 13 tonnes of refuse and paraphernalia .

     Apart from stringent enforcement actions taken at the above locations that are of community concern, the FEHD also conducted joint operations with several government departments over the LNY holidays at popular places in different districts where foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) commonly gather to carry out publicity and educational work, appealing to them to raise awareness of epidemic prevention and comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions.

     The FEHD, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Labour Department, relevant District Offices, and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, conducted joint operations over the past three days at various public places in Central and Western, Wan Chai, Yau Tsim, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Sai Kung districts, near popular FDHs gathering places during public holidays. Apart from arranging for cleaning contractors to strengthen the street cleaning services at the relevant spots, the FEHD also stepped up patrols to combat unlicensed hawking activities. During the operation, FEHD officers seized cooking paraphernalia and around six kilograms of food (including cooked food). Promotional leaflets in multiple languages were also distributed by the FEHD to appeal to FDHs to maintain environmental hygiene and refrain from conducting unlicensed hawking activities. FDHs were also reminded by other government departments to comply with the regulations on mask wearing and the prohibition of group gatherings in public places.

     To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the spokesman strongly appealed to all sectors of the community to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner. The FEHD will continue to strengthen its publicity efforts and enforcement actions. All sectors are reminded to exercise self-discipline and co-operate to fight the virus together.

      

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 4) said that a workman has been tested positive for COVID-19 when undergoing testing on a voluntary basis in her area of residence and is undergoing treatment. In addition, four workmen working at the same location have been tested preliminarily positive.

     The five staff members concerned are responsible for cleansing work in Wo Ping San Tsuen, Kwong Tin Street and Chung Uk Tsuen respectively in Tuen Mun. They wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. The workman tested positive and two other workmen tested preliminarily positive last performed duties on January 31, while the remaining two workmen tested preliminarily positive last performed duties on February 2. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is following up on the case.

    The FEHD has conducted cleaning and disinfection at the relevant working places and in the vicinity in accordance with the CHP's advice, and quarantine of 11 related staff members are being arranged. The FEHD has made arrangement on staff deployment to ensure that relevant services are not affected.

     The FEHD has been strictly implementing disease prevention measures during the epidemic and will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP. Staff members are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) learned that an Immigration Assistant stationed in the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre (Centre) has been tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 today (February 4).  The Centre has immediately arranged COVID-19 tests for the detainees and staff. Thorough cleaning and disinfection work have also been arranged for the detention facilities concerned.
      
     The staff concerned is mainly responsible for providing support services in the Centre and last performed duties on January 31.  She has no recent travel history.  She was wearing a face mask while performing duties.  Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening at work and she did not have any symptoms.
      
     During the situation of COVID-19 infection, the ImmD has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures, including measuring the body temperature of and providing alcohol-based handrub to all persons before their entry into the Centre, providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, requiring employees to wear masks when performing duties, and stepping up the cleaning and sterilising measures for the working environment.
      
     The ImmD will continue to maintain close liaison with the Centre for Health Protection and actively co-operate with the CHP's quarantine arrangements. The ImmD has also reminded its staff to pay attention to personal hygiene and stay vigilant. Staff have been reminded to seek medical advice and inform the department as soon as possible if feeling unwell.

     In view of the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19, the Department of Health (DH) today (February 4) announced that the services under its Student Health Service (StdHS) and Elderly Health Service (EHS) will be adjusted starting next Monday (February 7) in order to deploy more manpower to support anti-epidemic work and meet operational needs.

     Apart from the West Kowloon Government Offices Student Health Service Centre (SHSC) which was suspended earlier, seven other SHSCs (Yuen Long SHSC, Shek Wu Hui SHSC, Tai Po SHSC, South Kwai Chung SHSC, Kowloon Bay SHSC, Kowloon City Lions Clubs SHSC, and Tsz Wan Shan Wu York Yu SHSC) will also be suspended.
 
     The remaining five SHSCs (Chai Wan SHSC, Lam Tin SHSC, Sha Tin SHSC, Tuen Mun SHSC, and Western SHSC) will remain open to provide mop-up vaccination and COVID-19 (CoronaVac) vaccination services, and Special Assessment Centre services for students who require further follow-ups. These include assessment services provided by clinical psychologists, dietitians, optometrists, audiologists and scoliosis-related services. The annual health assessment services will be suspended.
 
     Separately, the operation days of Yau Ma Tei Elderly Health Centre (EHC), Tai Po EHC and Tuen Mun Wu Hong EHC will be scaled down to open one to two days each week to provide booked medical consultation, COVID-19 (CoronaVac) and seasonal influenza vaccination services to members. All other services will be suspended.
 
     The other 15 EHCs (Sai Ying Pun EHC, Shau Kei Wan EHC, Aberdeen EHC, Wan Chai EHC, Kowloon City EHC, Lam Tin EHC, Nam Shan EHC, San Po Kong EHC, Tung Chung EHC, Kwai Shing EHC, Shek Wu Hui EHC, Tseung Kwan O EHC, Lek Yuen EHC, Tsuen Wan EHC and Yuen Long EHC) will continue to provide walk-in vaccination with the CoronaVac vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccination service for all persons aged 65 or above. The booked medical consultation services for members will also be provided, whereas other services will be suspended.
 
     For enquiries, please contact the centres concerned during service hours. Details are also available at www.studenthealth.gov.hk/eindex.html (StdHS) and www.elderly.gov.hk/eindex.html (EHS).