CHP reminds relevant residents to comply with “restriction-testing declaration” operation on case tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 14) reminded members of the public that a "restriction-testing declaration" (RTD) has been made for the residences of one of the cases tested preliminarily positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus the CHP is following up. The CHP strongly reminds relevant residents that they must comply with the RTD operations. Any person who fails to present an SMS notification with a test result or wear a wristband as proof of having undergone testing breaches the compulsory testing notice and may be liable to a fine of $5,000. The person will also be issued with a compulsory testing order, requiring him/her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the compulsory testing order or the RTD is an offence and the offender may be liable to a fine of level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.
The case involves a 51-year-old female patient living in Tower 4, Bauhinia Garden, 11 Tong Chun Street, Tseung Kwan O. She works as a security guard at the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre (PBQC), same as an earlier case 13004. Her last working day was on January 11. She was classified as a close contact of case 13004 and was arranged to undergo quarantine at the PBQC on January 11. She developed symptoms on January 13 and tested preliminary positive on January 14. She received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac) in Hong Kong on August 30 and September 27, 2021.
The Government has made a RTD tonight for the building where the patient resided (Tower 4, Bauhinia Garden, 11 Tong Chun Street, Tseung Kwan O) and persons who resided or worked at the building will be subject to increased compulsory testing frequency. The places where she had visited during the incubation periods will also be included in a compulsory testing notice. Specified persons who were present at the relevant venues at specified periods need to undergo compulsory testing on the specified date.
The spokesman for the CHP said, "The Government has remained vigilant and has been closely monitoring the latest scientific data on mutant strains as well as the epidemic situation of various places. The most stringent anti-epidemic measures will be implemented to prevent the mutant strains from spreading in the local community."
​At the moment, the adverse impact on the epidemic situation caused by the newly emerged mutant strains is not fully known yet, but vaccination is still essential to prevent severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 infection. The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).