Cluster of Coronavirus cases in Siu Lam Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following announcement today (December 30):

     Five patients (aged 46 to 61) in a male ward for severe intellectual disability have presented with respiratory symptoms since December 28. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Coronavirus OC43. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. Coronavirus OC43 is a known human coronavirus, which usually causes a mild respiratory infection such as the common cold.

     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.