CHP follows up on COVID-19 confirmed cases at Block 8, Kwai Shing West Estate

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (December 7) proactively following up on a number of COVID-19 confirmed cases reported on 5/F at Block 8, Kwai Shing West Estate (KSWE) recently. By distributing specimen bottles to the residents at Block 8 for the deep throat saliva test, the CHP has identified three more confirmed cases tonight, which involved three different household units on 5/F.

     As 15 cases involving eight units have already been reported on 5/F at Block 8, KSWE, epidemiological investigations revealed that outbreaks have occurred on the floor concerned. The CHP considered that all residents of 5/F have the risk of infecting and spreading the virus and hence all remaining residents of 5/F have been defined as close contacts. They will be issued quarantine orders and be transferred to quarantine centre so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations are ongoing. The CHP will closely follow up on the virus testing results of other residents of Block 8.

     Testing service arranged by the Government at Block 8, KSWE, for the residents is still ongoing. The testing agency, BGI, arranged by the Government has set up a mobile specimen collection station at the Kwai Shing Community Hall. Operating hours will be daily from 10am to 8pm. Tentatively, the mobile specimen collection station will operate until December 9 (Wednesday).

     The Government will decide whether it is necessary to extend the operation period of the mobile specimen collection station after reviewing the usage of the station and the public's demand for the testing service. The testing agency will provide specimen collection services by combined nasal and throat swabs at the mobile specimen collection station for testing free of charge.

     The CHP spokesman urged all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with exposure to infection risk, to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons.

     For the well being of the residents and public health safety, the Government appeals to the co-operation of all residents of Block 8 to participate in the testing and stay home until the results of the tests are available, so as to prevent the risk of spreading the virus in the community.