Customs Officer preliminarily tests positive for COVID-19

     The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (July 25) learned that a Customs Officer has preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).The officer is posted to the Customs Marine Base, Stonecutters Island and mainly performed logistic duties. He made no contact with members of the public at work.

     The officer last performed his duties this Sunday and Monday (July 19-20). He felt unwell yesterday (July 24) and sought medical treatment at hospital. During the early hours of this morning, he was notified to have preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. Being under isolation treatment in hospital, the officer is in stable condition.

     The officer has no recent travel history. He has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties and has properly maintained social distancing with people he has had contact with. His body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.

     The department has been closely co-operating with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on the CHP's epidemiological investigations. The colleagues working with the officer are asymptomatic. Customs has liaised with the CHP for arranging those officers to undergo COVID-19 testing. The concerned working places have also been arranged to undergo a thorough cleaning and sterilisation.

     C&ED is highly concerned about the epidemic of COVID-19 and has remained highly vigilant since the epidemic broke out. Relevant hygienic measures for infectious diseases provided by the CHP have been strictly adopted. All officers have their body temperatures checked before performing their duties. They are also required to wear proper personal protective equipment.

     The department will continue to step up the cleaning and sterilising measures for all working locations and remind all officers to strictly comply with the hygienic measures of infectious diseases provided by the CHP. The officers will also be reminded to consult a doctor promptly if they have any discomforting symptoms.