SWD Assistant Clerical Officer tests preliminarily positive for COVID-19

     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (February 15) said that an Assistant Clerical Officer of the Sha Tin (South) Integrated Family Service Centre has tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19. 

     The staff member had no contact with members of the public in her daily work. She worked on the 8/F of the Sha Tin Government Offices and last performed duties on February 10. She had been wearing a mask when performing duties. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work. 

     A thorough cleaning and disinfection has been arranged at the premises concerned. All staff of the same floor will undergo COVID-19 testing and work from home while waiting for the results. The SWD will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health to take follow-up action as appropriate. The SWD service units on the 8/F of the Sha Tin Government Offices (including service counters) will be closed temporarily. Reopening arrangements will be announced later. For enquiries, members of the public may call the following service units during office hours:
(1) Sha Tin (South) Integrated Family Service Centre (Enquiry Line: 2158 6593);
(2) Sha Tin (South) Social Security Field Unit (Enquiry Line: 2158 6721) ; and
(3) Sha Tin Probation and Community Service Orders Office or Co-ordinating Office of Community Service Orders (Enquiry Line: 2694 2261) .

     During the pandemic, the department has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures, including measuring the body temperature of people entering the office and providing masks and other personal protective equipment for staff. Staff members are reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant. They should seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.