The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (January 18) regarding an Operation Assistant tested preliminarily positive to COVID-19:
An Operation Assistant of the Supporting Services Department had sore throat and cough on January 16. She consulted doctor at QEH Accident & Emergency Department on January 17 before reporting duty. A COVID-19 test was arranged and she was preliminarily tested positive on January 18. She is now in stable condition. She last performed her duty on January 15.
The hospital conducted contact tracing immediately. The colleague concerned was mainly responsible for cleansing in exterior areas. She did not perform any high-risk clinical procedures in ward. She was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient was hence identified as close contact. Five Operation Assistants having meal with the colleague were identified as close contacts and will be arranged for quarantine.
The hospital has completed thorough cleansing and disinfection of the concerned staff rest room and changing room. The hospital has also arranged staff as needed for COVID-19 test, and the test results are all negative. The hospital would continue to closely monitor the health condition of the staff members and communicate with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest progress.
The hospital has already reminded staff to avoid from having meal together to minimise the infection risk.
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