DH’s three dental clinics to be closed for disinfection

     The Department of Health (DH) today (February 18) said its three dental clinics have to be closed today for thorough cleaning and disinfection after one staff member and one client tested preliminarily positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as another staff member who tested positive through rapid antigen testing. Affected clients have been contacted to reschedule their service appointments.

     An outsourced staff member responsible for cleaning duties working at Tang Shiu Kin School Dental Clinic 5/F last performed duties on February 17 and tested preliminarily positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the same day. A dental officer at Tsuen Wan Government Offices Dental Clinic, who last performed duties on February 15 and developed symptoms on the next day (February 16), tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus through rapid antigen testing today.

     Moreover, the DH today received notification from a patient who visited the Sheung Kwai Chung Prosthodontic Clinic on February 16 that he has tested preliminarily positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The patient wore a face mask while waiting for treatment at the clinic. Medical staff wore masks with suitable personal protective equipment.

     The DH's Centre for Health Protection has initiated an epidemiological investigation on the relevant cases and relevant contact tracing is ongoing. In view of the epidemic situation, the DH's dental clinics have stepped up infection control measures, including temperature screening for all visitors before clinic entry, conducting health declaration and rescheduling the appointments of patients with higher transmission risk (e.g. persons subject to compulsory testing). The Dental Services have been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures during the epidemic, which include providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, and stepping up the cleaning and sanitising measures of the clinics. All staff members are wearing masks at work and practising hand hygiene at all times. The DH is highly concerned about the COVID-19 situation and has reminded all staff again to maintain personal hygiene and be vigilant at all times. If feeling unwell, they should seek medical attention immediately.