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 (November 4):

     Three patients (aged 52 to 54) in a male ward for severe intellectual disability have presented with respiratory symptoms since November 1. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Coronavirus OC43. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation with stable condition. Coronavirus OC43 is a known human coronavirus, which usually causes mild respiratory infection such as common cold.

     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already 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 necessary follow up.