Correctional officer of Lo Wu Correctional Institution preliminarily tests positive for COVID-19

     Lo Wu Correctional Institution today (December 24) learned that a correctional officer has preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).    

     The staff member last performed her duties on December 19. She was notified by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on the same day that one of her family members who lives with her tested positive for COVID-19. She was therefore regarded as a close contact of the case and was arranged to undergo quarantine at Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre the next day (December 20). She was notified of having preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 today. The staff member has no recent travel history. She has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties and has properly maintained social distancing with people she has had contact with. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening at work and she did not have any symptoms.    

     Having noticed that the staff member would be arranged to undergo quarantine on December 19, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) liaised with the CHP and followed the advice given, and instantly arranged for all correctional officers and persons in custody of the institution to take COVID-19 tests and all specimens tested negative. Thorough cleaning and disinfection has also been arranged immediately by the institution for the locations concerned.

     The CSD is highly concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic and has remained highly vigilant. Relevant hygienic measures for prevention of infectious diseases have been strictly implemented in accordance with the established mechanism. In addition, a series of disease prevention and disinfection measures have been put in place, including requiring staff members to check body temperatures and wear masks before and when performing duties. All working locations in the institution also undergo cleaning and disinfection regularly. The persons in custody and staff members are also reminded by the management to seek medical consultation promptly if they have any symptoms.