The Government yesterday (January 18) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effective fr… read more
The Government yesterday (January 18) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effective fr… read more
In view of samples collected from hamsters from a pet shop that preliminarily tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced on January 18 that all animals in Little Boss, a pet shop in Causeway Bay, and its warehouse in Tai Po will be humanely dispatched to minimise the potential risks of COVID-19 infection and safeguard public safety. Furthermore, all pet shops in Hong Kong selling hamsters must suspend business starting from yesterday. Hamsters from those pet shops will also be taken for COVID-19 tests and humane dispatch, while other animals of those pet shops need to undergo testing for the COVID-19 virus. Pet shops can resume operation when satisfactory test results are returned. The AFCD has also suspended the import of small mammals with immediate effect, and strongly advise members of the public to surrender their hamsters purchased in local pet shops on or after December 22, 2021, to the department for humane dispatch.
An AFCD spokesman said, “The AFCD received a report by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Department of Health on January 17 that a pet shop worker was confirmed to be infected with COVID-19. AFCD staff were sent to the pet shop where she worked for investigation and collected samples from 78 hamsters, chinchillas and rabbits for COVID-19 tests. Up till now, 11 samples collected from hamsters preliminarily tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, while the test results of other animals were negative.”
“In addition, the AFCD also collected 511 samples from chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits in the warehouse of the pet shop in Tai Po on January 17. COVID-19 testing is underway. It is learned that some of the environmental swabs collected by the CHP tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” he added.
The spokesman noted that apart from Little Boss, the pet shop in Causeway Bay, hamsters are sold in 34 other local pet shops. All small mammals other than hamsters (including chinchillas, guinea pigs and rabbits) in these shops have to undergo testing for the COVID-19 virus. These shops may resume business when test results are found satisfactory. Thorough disinfection and cleaning should be carried out in these pet shops during the period.
The AFCD has suspended the import of all small mammals (including hamsters) with immediate effect. The department is also reviewing the quarantine requirements for importing this type of animals into Hong Kong, including considering making it a requirement for animals concerned to undergo testing for the COVID-19 virus prior to departure by the exporting country or region and to be tested again upon arrival in Hong Kong.
According to AFCD’s records, two consignments of hamsters were imported into Hong Kong on December 22 last year and January 7 this year respectively. Upon consulting experts, the AFCD opined that the two consignments of hamsters have a higher risk of carrying the COVID-19 virus, while hamsters imported into Hong Kong beforehand is relatively less risky. Thus the AFCD strongly advises members of the public to surrender hamsters purchased in local pet shops on or after December 22 last year to the department for humane dispatch.
“As positive test results for the COVID-19 virus were found in a number of samples collected from hamsters, there is evidence that this batch of hamsters had been contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. Overseas studies show that once hamsters have been infected with COVID-19 in a laboratory environment, the virus can effectively multiply and be transmitted within the herd of hamsters, thus significantly increasing the risk of spreading the virus as well as transmitting the virus to humans and other animals. Onset of symptoms may not be triggered immediately after the hamsters have been infected, negative test results do not necessarily mean that the hamsters have not been infected. Moreover, testing over a thousand hamsters everyday is beyond the testing capacity of the authorities and keeping hamsters may also bring risks to animal keepers. Regarding multiplication and mutual infection of the virus, as well as the large number of hamsters involved, the AFCD does not have sufficient facilities and feasible means to isolate every single one of them and conduct tests for them repeatedly. Humane dispatch of all hamsters involved is a safe and feasible way to control the epidemic. European countries like the Netherlands and Denmark also mounted large-scale humane dispatch operations over cases of transmission of the virus from mink to humans in 2020,” the spokesman said.
He also pointed out that animals of the relevant pet shop will be distributed to different branches for sale, thus tracing and identification of the import dates of different consignments within a short time is difficult. Humanely dispatching hamsters on a selective basis could not control the epidemic completely and may cause loopholes. To protect members of the public and safeguard public health, it is necessary for the AFCD to humanely dispatch those consignments of hamsters as soon as possible, to prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading further.
The spokesman stressed, “In consideration of public health and animal welfare, the AFCD appeals to members of the public that they should abandon their pets on the streets in no circumstances. For the arrangement of taking in hamsters by the department, please call 2691 2269. Members of the public may also send their hamsters to the New Territories South Animal Management Centre.”
The spokesman reminded pet owners to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment. People who have taken ill should restrict contact with animals. If any changes in the health condition of pets are spotted, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible. Members of the public raising hamsters should keep them at home. read more
The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at 62 specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.
In view of one local case, three import-related cases, one non-locally confirmed case who had stayed in Hong Kong and five cases tested preliminarily positive, 26 specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. Also, in view some of the hamster samples of a pet shop tested positive earlier, 36 specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo the multiple tests on time as required. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well. They are advised to closely monitor their health conditions. They should seek medical attention and undergo testing even if they have only mild symptoms.
Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)’s website via the following link: (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20220118.pdf).
Furthermore, in order to further reduce the potential risk of transmission, any person who had come into contact with or handled hamster(s) delivered to Hong Kong from overseas on or after December 22, 2021 (including but not limited to (1) persons involved in the delivery or temporary storage of such hamster(s), (2) persons who had handled the quarantine of such hamster(s), or (3) full-time, part-time and relief staff of pet shops in possession of such hamster(s)); or had come into contact with or handled hamster(s) which were purchased by, possessed by or under the custody of the such persons on or after December 22, 2021 (including but not limited to (1) persons who purchased, are in possession of or have custody of hamster(s) on or after December, 22 2021 and (2) the household member(s) residing with such persons), has to undergo testing on January 18 or 19; January 22; and January 25.
Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen.
If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon “extreme conditions” announcement by the Government is in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be further extended for one day.
The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, to get vaccinated as soon as possible for better self-protection.
Subsequent to the announcement by the CHP on the updated quarantine arrangements of local COVID-19 cases with a mutant strain, 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 Department of Health (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). In addition, all household members of close contacts are required to undergo compulsory testing. Any person who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant to section 22 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (person under quarantine) in the same residential unit on the date of commencement of quarantine or during the 14 days before that day, and who becomes aware of the quarantine of the person under quarantine when the relevant quarantine has not yet been completed, has to undergo testing within two days of him or her becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine and report to the Government the result of the test by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) within three days of undergoing the test. For prudence’s sake, the above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.
CTCs provide testing services for the public, including free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming two weeks to facilitate the public’s planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm on January 18, there were around 23 000 booking places available for today (January 19) at the CTCs, and around 75 per cent and 86 per cent availability for booking places for the coming seven days and 14 days respectively. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
Seven mobile specimen collection stations will be in service in Sham Shui Po district today to provide free testing for all local residents and workers (including those subject to compulsory testing) (details at link: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/18/P2022011800720.htm). The Government will set up or re-open mobile specimen collection stations at the following locations to provide free services for persons subject to compulsory testing today. Details of the service scope are in the Annex:
The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at 62 specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.
In view of one local case, three import-related cases, one non-locally confirmed case who had stayed in Hong Kong and five cases tested preliminarily positive, 26 specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. Also, in view some of the hamster samples of a pet shop tested positive earlier, 36 specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo the multiple tests on time as required. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well. They are advised to closely monitor their health conditions. They should seek medical attention and undergo testing even if they have only mild symptoms.
Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)’s website via the following link: (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20220118.pdf).
Furthermore, in order to further reduce the potential risk of transmission, any person who had come into contact with or handled hamster(s) delivered to Hong Kong from overseas on or after December 22, 2021 (including but not limited to (1) persons involved in the delivery or temporary storage of such hamster(s), (2) persons who had handled the quarantine of such hamster(s), or (3) full-time, part-time and relief staff of pet shops in possession of such hamster(s)); or had come into contact with or handled hamster(s) which were purchased by, possessed by or under the custody of the such persons on or after December 22, 2021 (including but not limited to (1) persons who purchased, are in possession of or have custody of hamster(s) on or after December, 22 2021 and (2) the household member(s) residing with such persons), has to undergo testing on January 18 or 19; January 22; and January 25.
Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen.
If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon “extreme conditions” announcement by the Government is in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be further extended for one day.
The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, to get vaccinated as soon as possible for better self-protection.
Subsequent to the announcement by the CHP on the updated quarantine arrangements of local COVID-19 cases with a mutant strain, 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 Department of Health (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). In addition, all household members of close contacts are required to undergo compulsory testing. Any person who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant to section 22 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (person under quarantine) in the same residential unit on the date of commencement of quarantine or during the 14 days before that day, and who becomes aware of the quarantine of the person under quarantine when the relevant quarantine has not yet been completed, has to undergo testing within two days of him or her becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine and report to the Government the result of the test by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) within three days of undergoing the test. For prudence’s sake, the above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.
CTCs provide testing services for the public, including free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming two weeks to facilitate the public’s planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm on January 18, there were around 23 000 booking places available for today (January 19) at the CTCs, and around 75 per cent and 86 per cent availability for booking places for the coming seven days and 14 days respectively. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
Seven mobile specimen collection stations will be in service in Sham Shui Po district today to provide free testing for all local residents and workers (including those subject to compulsory testing) (details at link: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202201/18/P2022011800720.htm). The Government will set up or re-open mobile specimen collection stations at the following locations to provide free services for persons subject to compulsory testing today. Details of the service scope are in the Annex: