CHP follows up on one case tested positive and two cases tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus at Maple Gardens Phase III in North Point
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 12) said as one case tested positive and two cases tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus recently occurring at Maple Gardens Phase III, 51 Kin Wah Street, North Point, which involved B units on two different floors, the CHP is proactively following up to investigate whether the infection of a case that tested preliminarily positive is related to the case that tested positive earlier, so as to stop the potential risk of further spread of the virus.
In view of case 12985 who tested positive earlier and resides at Maple Gardens Phase III, the Government made a "restriction-testing declaration" for the building yesterday (January 11) and no case that tested positive was found. A household contact (an 83-year-old female) of case 12985, who was sent to a quarantine facility on January 8, tested preliminarily positive subsequently. The CHP has found another case who tested preliminarily positive yesterday involving a 32-year-old male resident in unit B on another floor of the building. He developed fever and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms on January 9 and sought medical attention at a hospital yesterday.
The CHP has co-ordinated with related government departments and experts and conducted a site inspection today of the floors and units concerned at Maple Gardens Phase III to investigate and examine if environmental factors were involved in the infection of the case who tested preliminarily positive. The CHP took into account the opinions from experts and decided to carry out prudent measures on infection control. The DH will issue quarantine orders to asymptomatic residents of unit B on all floors of Maple Gardens Phase III who lived there during the incubation period of the relevant cases and transfer them to a quarantine facility; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment. A total of 22 environmental samples were collected from the relevant units with the test results pending.
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.
In light of the case that tested positive earlier, persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of the 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.