Covid-19 outbreaks reported in AsiaWorld-Expo, public estate

By The SUN 

AWE is a treatment facility that is also used to quarantine residents from care homes

Hong Kong reported 95 new coronavirus cases today, Dec 6, as outbreaks at the AsiaWorld Expo community treatment facility and at a public housing estate in Kwai Shing sparked fresh alarm.

In a press briefing, Albert Au, principal medical and health officer at the Centre for Health Protection said a staff member at the AWE treatment center who was in contact with quarantined persons tested positive on Saturday, but had no symptoms.

Two other staff members were found preliminary positive, prompting the evacuation of about 100 people to other parts of the facility.

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The three worked in Halls 5 and 7 and had attended to quarantined residents of the Tung Wah Ho Yuk Ching Willow Lodge for elderly people.

Au said other workers from the same halls will have to be tested. However, he said the risk of outbreak among the staff was low as all the staff wore adequate personal protective equipment.

Another outbreak occurred on the fifth floor of Block 8 at Kwai Shing West Estate in Kwai Chung, which left 12 members of five families on the same floor positive of the virus.

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Au said there was probable environmental contamination on that floor, but when asked whether compulsory testing could be enforced on residents of the block, he said not at the moment.

“We shall first hand out sample bottles. However, we shall require all residents, especially those on Block 8, to give the samples [as soon as possible]. As for the residents of the other floors, [if they] start reporting untraceable cases, we won’t rule out requiring all residents to undergo testing,” Au said.

12 residents on 5th floor of a Kwai Shing block all tested positive for Covid-19

Of today’s new cases, 87 were locally acquired - 51 were linked to earlier infections while 36 were untraceable. The eight remaining cases were all imported, including a 23-year-old Indonesian domestic worker who arrived on Dec 4.

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Six other imported cases who arrived on Dec 4 were a 15-year-old girl from Britain; a 55-year-old man from the United States; two women aged 25 and 64 as well as two men aged 17 and 47 from Pakistan.

Another Pakistani man aged 41 who arrived on Nov 22 tested positive yesterday while nearing the end of his 14-day quarantine in a room on Block A of Chungking Mansions in Tsimshatsui, the CHP said.  

The local cases also included a 75-year-old male patient who tested positive after going to United Christian Hospital’s accident and emergency department at 11pm on Friday due to fever and cough.

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Eighteen more patients were linked to the dance club cluster and five to the Ho Yuk Ching Willow Lodge, where 10 residents and five staff members are now confirmed to have contracted the virus.

In the Lohas Park construction site, four more workers and five family members were found infected, bringing to 45 the total number of patients linked to this cluster. They comprised 32 workers and 13 of their family members.

Au also reported that health authorities at the Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre were unable to identify the owner of a saliva sample that tested positive, as the person’s information was not uploaded onto the system.

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He called on anyone who got tested at the centre on the morning of Dec 4 to do so again if he hasn’t been notified by SMS of a negative result.

Also found positive was a chef at the M&C Duck Japanese restaurant in Causeway Bay, while two other chefs there were preliminary positive cases.

Dr Lau Ka-hin, chief manager of the Hospital Authority, said that as of 9am today, 56 Covid-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital, bringing the total number of recoveries to 5,567.

A total of 1,087 confirmed patients are confined in 22 public hospitals and community treatment facility. Lau said 31 patients are in critical condition, 31 are in serious condition and the remaining 1,025 patients are in stable condition.

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ConGen Tejada leads mask distribution to Filipino workers in Central

By Vir B. Lumicao 

Congen Tejada in Statue Square, distributing CUMasks he brought in a blue reusable bag

Consul General Raly Tejada urged Filipino workers to observe hygiene and social distancing after leading the distribution of nearly 13,000 reusable masks today, Dec 6, in Central on the first Sunday of stricter anti-coronavirus restrictions.

The Philippines’ top diplomat was assisted by Filipino community leaders Alann Cayosa Mas of Federation of Luzon Active Groups (Flag) and Marites Nuval of Global Alliance in distributing the six-layered CUMasks donated by the Hong Kong government.

ConGen Tejada said that despite the volume of work on Sunday at the Consulate, he felt the need to conduct the sortie because many of the Filipino domestic workers who take their day off on Sundays do not have the time to pick up a free mask at the PCG.

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“My fervent request to the Filipino community is for them to observe hygiene and social distancing rules to prevent Covid infection. In this time, we need to be personally responsible for our well being. It’s a fight for our very lives so we need to take the matter very seriously,” ConGen Tejada said after the sortie.

In a separate meeting with other Filcom leaders at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Labor Attache Mel Dizon also urged FDWs to conform with anti-gathering restrictions, saying the HK government appears keen to crack down on violators.

Govt staff went about Central reminding everyone to keep their distance

Congen added, “It’s too bad that our traditional Christmas gatherings may now be limited but we have no choice. Ingat po ang lahat and konti pang tiis. This too shall pass.”

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He was referring to the contagion that, for the past 11 months, has infected dozens of OFWs in the city, caused thousands to lose their jobs, and prevented many from either coming to Hong Kong, or going home to be with their loved ones because of travel restrictions.

The distribution began at 3pm at Statue Square, with ConGen Tejada walking about with a blue plastic shopping bag slung on his shoulder, approaching groups of workers around the square and handing out the CuMask donated by the Hong Kong government.

The Filcom volunteers also carried similar bags as they dispersed and went around the periphery of Chater Road and World-Wide House handing out the masks to OFWs.

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Many of the workers did not recognize the Consulate’s top official when he gave them masks. Upon being told his identity, they all rushed to his side for a photograph. Another worker, a man, said, “Thank you, General.”

At the end of the day, ConGen Tejada said: “12,600 pieces po and napamigay natin today and we intend to distribute more in the coming weeks.”

Last month, he called leaders of some organizations registered with the Consulate and gave them CuMasks for distribution among their members.

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He did not say how many CuMasks were donated by the Hong Kong government, only saying, “Buhos po ang suporta ng Hong Kong government sa atin. (We have all-out support from the Hong Kong government).”

Police officers were also busy making sure OFWs obeyed the gathering rules 

As Consul Tejada went about with his sortie, uniformed police officers in sixes conducted foot patrols around Chater Road, handing out leaflets and lugging a portable public address system reminding the workers of the “no more than two people” rule for social gathering.

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They were accompanied by female staff of the Labour and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Departments who held up placards reminding people of the social distancing measures as they moved among scattered groups of Filipinos workers.

The police public relations branch says it has not received any reports so far of Filipino or other migrant workers being booked for breaching the social distancing rules.

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Holiday fireworks, parade and Christmas tree lighting cancelled due to pandemic

By The SUN 

Jan 2019 was the last fireworks display on New Year's Eve in HK

Friday was the start of Hong Kong WinterFest, but people would be hard put to tell because the huge Christmas tree which used to be lit up starting this day at Statue Square in Central, was not installed this year.

And it’s all because of the extra precautions being taken to maintain social distancing amid a new outbreak of the coronavirus in the city.

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Officials said they will instead organize a virtual tour of “Christmas Town,” from which people can learn to make Christmas wreaths, candlesticks and other handmade products online.

No details were, however, made immediately available.

Also among the casualties of the coronavirus contagion are the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks display, and the Chinese New Year grand parade.

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This will be the second straight year that the New Year’s Eve festivities are not being held. Last year, they were also cancelled because of the anti-government protests.

Residents will just have to contend with posing in front of Christmas displays in malls

Likewise cancelled is the Chinese New Year parade, traditionally held on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The event, where gaily gilded floats, acrobats and dancers from all over the world regale audiences from both sides of the harbour, used to be the main attraction of the three-day festivities.

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The Hong Kong Tourism Board said in a statement issued Friday that the fireworks display is being cancelled because of the need to follow social-distancing measures.

As for the parade, the HKTB said performing groups from abroad won’t be able to come to Hong Kong because of Covid-related travel restrictions.

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In place of the two events, the HKTB said it’s considering an "online and offline" celebration to usher in the Year of the Ox. The details will be announced later.

As a further dampener, the MTR also announced that there won't be any overnight train services on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve because of the pandemic.

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As early as next Saturday, in fact, the MTR says it will temporarily reduce train frequency during non-peak hours on the Island and Kwun Tong lines, following a drop in passenger numbers.

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Official warns of ‘explosive outbreaks’ as 101 new Covid-19 cases recorded

By The SUN 

If the number of cases continues to rise, an 'explosive outbreak' could happen, says the CHP

Hong Kong has recorded 101 new coronavirus cases today, Dec. 5, the second day in a row that the daily tally has breached the 100 mark.

In a press briefing, principal medical and health officer Albert Au from Centre for Health Protection said that 92 of the new cases were locally acquired, 29 of them untraceable. The 63 other were linked to previous infections.

Au said the continuing rise in the number of cases, particularly those with unknown sources, was worrying.

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“What we are seeing in the past few days is that the number of cases remains at a very high level, and the proportion of untraceable cases is also increasing, so this is worrying because this signifies that there is a lot of silent transmissions in various places in Hong Kong,” he said.

If the trend continues, he said “at some point we may encounter explosive outbreaks…in the near future.”

He reminded everyone to observe “high vigilance” and continue practicing social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene to help prevent such an outbreak.

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Nine of today’s cases were imported, including an Indonesian domestic worker who tested positive on arrival at the airport. The others included an air crew from the United Kingdom, a seafarer, two returnees from Pakistan, and one each from UK, Italy, Turkey, and the United States.

Au said about 50 preliminary positive cases have been recorded, and could increase as more test results come in during the rest of the day.

Au says the preliminary cases could increase by the midnight reporting cut-off

The preliminary cases include an elderly couple who were taken by ambulance to Pok Oi Hospital yesterday and are now in intensive care at the Tuen Mun Hospital.

Dr Lau Ka-hin, chief manager of the Hospital Authority, said the 77-year-old male patient had complained of feeling dizzy, and was put in an observation ward where he was given oxygen.

Subsequently, his 74-year-old wife also felt unwell, and was also admitted to the hospital. Initial tests done on the couple showed both were infected with the virus.

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A 73-year-old male patient who was undergoing medical treatment in an adjacent cubicle was declared as a close contact, and put in an isolation room. But an initial test showed he was not infected.

Most of the local cases were linked to previously identified cluster of cases, including 18 new ones from the dance cluster, making a total of about 500; six from the Tung Wah Group of Hospital Ho Yuk Ching Willow Lodge, which now has 14 positive cases, and a new case linked to the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital.

The other linked cases include three more from a construction site in Lohas Park, raising the tally to 34 cases; and two from the Fong Shu Chuen Hostel for disabled in Shau Kei Wan, which now has 57 cases.

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They also included a nurse at a private doctor’s clinic in Whampoa whose family members had previously tested positive for the coronavirus. The doctor, Fok Lai-Sing and his two other nurses have been classified as close contacts and will be sent to quarantine.

The 29 untraceable cases included a student from Munsang College in Sai Wan Ho.

Dr Lau reported an incident at St John’s Hospital in Cheung Chau where an unidentified person spilled his saliva sample onto a desk after being told he missed the deadline for submission of specimen for testing by an hour.

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A nurse who was inside the room was wearing proper protective equipment, but was given a Covid-19 test to be on the safe side, and put under medical surveillance.

“We find that person’s disregard of social morals regrettable,” said Dr Lau, adding that there was no other hospital or patients around during the incident, so the HA would not take further action against the offender.

Taxi drivers who will work from Christmas until Jan 23 are compelled to take the test

Meanwhile, the government has ordered all taxi drivers who plan to work between Christmas and January 23, to take compulsory coronavirus tests.

The Transport Department said the two-week free testing scheme for these drivers will start on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 13 dedicated centres.

Drivers, who take the test will receive an SMS message as proof, as well as a "Compulsory Testing Tag" for them to display.

Those who don’t comply with the order could face a fixed penalty of $5,000 under new restrictions announced yesterday.

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Labour Dept calls on FDHs not to eat together, or just stay at home on day-off

By The SUN

LD staff and the police remind Filipino DHs about the gathering ban

The Labour Department has issued a new advisory calling on foreign domestic helpers to avoid eating together, and if possible, to just rest at home on their day-off.

The call was made in a statement published in the government news website this evening, Dec. 4, along with a reminder on the higher penalties for violations of the gathering restrictions.

"We remind FDHs to observe and comply with the regulations and appeal to them to avoid meal gatherings, food sharing and other social activities on their rest days and stay at home for rest as far as possible to safeguard their personal health,” said the statement.

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It also called on employers and workers to try to arrange rest days on a weekday instead of during the weekend, when most migrant workers gather together for their weekly holiday.

At the same time, employers were warned that it is illegal for them to make their domestic helpers work during their day-off. If they do, they can be prosecuted, and upon conviction, fined a maximum of $50,000.

The advisory also reminded employers that if they compel their helper to work on a rest day, they must substitute another rest day for the FDH within 30 days after the original rest day. They must also notify their helper of the arrangement within 48 hours after he/she is required to work.

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The statement was meant to primarily remind FDHs and employers about the increased penalty for violators of gathering rules. From the current $2,000, the fixed penalty will go up to $5,000 starting next Friday, Dec 11.

The fixed penalty is imposed outright on those found violating stricter gathering rules.

Currently, no more than two people could gather in public; or eat together in a restaurant. Everyone is also required to wear a mask while in a public place, indoor or outdoor, including on public transportation and in shopping malls.

37 FDHs have been issued fixed penalty tickets so far for violating gathering rules

So far, said the statement, a total of 37 FDHs have been charged with the fixed penalty for violating Cap 599G, or the gathering regulation.

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“The Government will continue to conduct mobile broadcast at popular FDH gathering places across the territory to call upon FDHs to comply with the latest requirements,” said the statement.

A call was also made for FDWs who are staying in boarding houses while waiting to move in with new employers to take the free Covid-19 test provided by the Labour Department until Dec 24.

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Those who need to stay in the boarding facilities for an extended period are advised to “retake the test as appropriate, especially before joining the new employer’s family.”

Specimen collection packs for FDHs are available at a temporary distribution/collection point at the Wan Chai Sports Ground.

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Employment agencies are advised to assist the workers in taking the test, and to ensure that they do not stay in crowded boarding facilities so they remain healthy prior to joining their new employers.

FDWs or employers with enquiries about the testing service may call the dedicated hotline, 2157 9537 (manned by 1823), by email to fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk or through the online form on the dedicated portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk). 

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HK reports 112 new Covid-19 cases, 2 deaths

By Vir B. Lumicao

Covid-19 testing tents set up outside Prince of Wales Hospital: surge far from over

Hong Kong health officials have warned that the worst is far from over in the city’s fourth wave of the coronavirus outbreak, as the day’s tally surged past the hundredth mark again today, Dec 4.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection said there were 112 new Covid-19 cases, 100 of them locally acquired.

There were also two deaths over the past 24 hours. The first was an 82-year-old woman who passed away at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the second was a 38-year-old man who succumbed to the disease at Queen Mary Hospital, the city’s youngest casualty of the virus.

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They were the 110^th and 111^th deaths out of 6,702 cases confirmed so far in Hong Kong.

Chuang said that of the new cases, 36 had unknown sources, while 64 cases had links to previous infections.

More than 80 preliminary positive cases were also recorded today.

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Chuang said nine more employees and a family member were linked to the Fong Shu Chuen Day Activity Centre & Hostel cluster, bringing the total to 43 residents, 11 staff and one family member.

Among these cases, two were students at Pentecostal Holiness Church Wing Kwong College and Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College.

“We will invite the teachers and students of the two schools to take the test and face-to-face teaching will also be suspended,” Chuang said.

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Five more workers and two family members were linked to the construction site at Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O, Chuang said. This brought the total cases linked to that cluster to 27 workers and five family members.

Several cases are added to the dance cluster on a daily basis

She also said 17 additional cases were added to the dance cluster, while at Ho Yuk Ching Willow Lodge in Tai Kok Tsui, two staff and two residents tested positive. Two more preliminary cases were also recorded, she said.

Another taxi driver, with vehicle license plate VF 4177, has also tested positive, she said.

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Twelve imported cases were also reported, including an Indonesian domestic helper who tested positive while in quarantine. She arrived on Nov 20 and was found infected after a second test, 12 days after her arrival.

The other imported cases were a woman from Russia, two men from India, and a woman from Pakistan who all arrived Dec 2; a man and woman from the United States and another woman from Pakistan who flew in Dec 3; and two men who arrived from the US on Dec 1.

Two men who arrived separately from India and Turkey on Nov 20 tested positive yesterday a day before they were set to end their 14-day hotel quarantine.

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Dr. Lau Ka-hin, chief manager of the Hospital Authority, said that as of 9am today, 42 confirmed patients had been discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 5,465.

He said 978 patients were still being treated in 21 public hospitals and at the community facility at AsiaWorld-Expo. Among them, 23 are in critical condition, 21 in serious condition, and 934 in stable condition.

Lau said a 53-year-old woman tested preliminarily positive at The Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, where a nurse tested positive earlier. CHP is tracing the patient’s close contacts.

In Tuen Mun, a 76-year-old man was admitted to the Emergency Room at Pok Oi Hospital, where he tested preliminarily positive yesterday. Five patients and a nurse in the same ward were listed as close contacts.

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