CHP follows up on cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus of Glory Court in Tsuen Wan Garden
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 25) said as two cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus recently occurred at Glory Court, Tsuen Wan Garden, Tsuen Wan (Glory Court) which involved units 5 on two different floors, the CHP is proactively following up to investigate whether the infection of the cases in the building is related to environmental factors, so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.
The first case tested positive (13340) involved a 55-year-old male residing in unit 5 on 12/F of Glory Court. He developed symptoms on January 21 and his sample taken on January 22 tested positive. The patient did not receive COVID-19 vaccination. The second case tested positive (13420) involved a 41-year-old male residing in unit 5 on the rooftop of Glory Court. He developed symptoms on January 22. He attended a hospital on January 23 and his sample taken on the same day tested positive. He received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac) in Hong Kong.
The CHP has co-ordinated with related government departments and conducted an inspection today of the floors and units concerned at Glory Court to investigate and examine if environmental factors were involved in the infection of the cases. It was preliminarily considered that vertical transmission of virus via pipes is involved. The CHP will issue quarantine orders to residents of unit 5 on all floors (4/F to 18/F) of Glory Court who resided there during the incubation period of the relevant cases and transfer them to a quarantine facility. As it is possible that virus might be ejected from the opening of the vent pipe at the rooftop and then penetrate into the units on the upper floors, quarantine orders will also be issued to residents of unit 4 on 16/F to 18/F and on the rooftop. Symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment.
The CHP reminded members of the public to ensure household environmental hygiene by maintaining drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) by pouring about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap). They should also pay attention to hygiene when using the toilet by putting the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.
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 have 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.