Six clinics and one student health service centre of DH closed for disinfection
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 23) said seven service units have to be closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection after staff members tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or tested positive through rapid antigen testing. Staff had contacted affected clients to reschedule their service appointments. Details of service units to be closed as follows:
Clinic or Student Health Service Centre | Closure date(s) | Case(s) involved |
Harbour Building Dental Clinic | February 23 | A dental officer who last performed duties on February 22 |
Chai Wan Government Dental Clinic | February 23 | A dental hygienist who last performed duties on February 22 |
Western Student Health Service Centre | February 23 |
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Kwun Tong Yung Fung Shee Dental Clinic | February 23 and 24 | A dental surgery assistant who last performed duties on February 22 |
Yau Ma Tei Dental Clinic | February 23 and 24 | A dental officer who last performed duties on February 22 |
Shek Kip Mei Chest Clinic | February 24 and 25 | A workman who last performed duties on February 22 |
The above staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment while performing duties. Also, as Chai Wan Government Dental Clinic shares a common waiting area with Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinic of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (OMS&DC PYNEH), based on public health considerations, the OMS&DC PYNEH was also closed today to undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection.
The DH's Centre for Health Protection has initiated an epidemiological investigation. In view of the epidemic situation, the DH's clinics have stepped up infection control measures, including temperature screening for all visitors before clinic entry, conducting health declaration, limiting number of accompanying carers and rescheduling the appointments of patients with higher transmission risk (e.g. persons subject to compulsory testing). Each service unit of the DH 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 and the health centres. 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.