Suspected re-positive case leaves ‘Spectrum of Seas’ cruise going nowhere

By The SUN 

Over 1,000 passengers of the cruise ship had already boarded when the cruise was canceled

Hong Kong’s vaunted “cruise to nowhere” for about 1,200 people was halted last night, Oct 21, as a male crew was suspected by health officials to be a re-positive case after crew members of Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas were tested.

More than 1,000 passengers had already boarded the ship at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal at 7pm Thursday when the cruise was canceled.

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The Centre for Health Protection, meanwhile, said today it was investigating two new confirmed coronavirus cases carrying the L452R variant. One was a Filipina domestic helper aged 43 and the other a woman from Maldives aged 31.

The Filipina arrived via 5J272 on Oct 18 and was in quarantine at Penny’s Bay when found infected. The woman from Maldives tested positive in a public hospital where she accompanied her 8-year-old daughter who got sick earlier. They both arrived in Hong Kong on Oct 13 via QR818.

The suspected re-positive involving the 40-year-old male crew was not included in today’s list of confirmed infections.

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A government press release said the man tested positive for Covid-19 in Malaysia in July.

He arrived in Hong Kong in August and tested negative more than 10 times upon arrival from cruises.

But his sample collected on Oct 19 on board the ship tested positive with a very low viral load. He has been asymptomatic.

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As the man also worked on the Spectrum of the Seas on two other trips this month, people who had been on board between Sept 30 and Oct 21 are required to undergo testing by tomorrow, Saturday.

The cancellation was in accordance with the contingency management mechanism devised for “cruise to nowhere” itineraries by the TC, the DH and Royal Caribbean.

As soon as the CHP announced that it was investigating the suspected re-positive overseas case, the operator immediately cancelled the sailing.

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The DH has separately announced the testing and quarantine arrangements for passengers and crew members of the cruise ship. The TC has all along been closely working and following up with Royal Caribbean, the press release said.

The cruise company had arranged an orderly departure of the affected passengers from the terminal and informed them of the refund or rescheduling arrangements.

The spokesperson said CTN itineraries are subject to a set of stringent health precautionary measures to cope with the epidemic risks.

This means all passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and must undergo polymerase chain reaction-based, or PCR, nucleic acid tests within 48 hours before sailing and at regular intervals, and receive negative results.

Cruise companies and passengers are also required to strictly comply with the respective anti-epidemic measures for cruise ships and various relevant premises.

Should there be a suspected case on board after the cruise ship has left, the journey will be suspended at once and the vessel has to return to Hong Kong.

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Use of ‘LeaveHomeSafe’ app to be strictly enforced from Nov 1

By The SUN 

One can no longer enter a govt building without using the LeaveHomeSafe app 

Starting Nov 1, all government employees and the public will be strictly required to use the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile application when they enter government buildings or offices. No app, no entry.

Except for exempted persons, everyone will be required to use the app to scan the venue QR code and not just write their personal details on a piece of paper before they can enter government premises, a government press release said today, Oct 21.

The government said incomplete or even false personal particulars may be provided by people who opt to write them down on a piece of paper as an alternative to using the app.  

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The government said this can greatly reduce the efficiency and precision of contact tracing when a confirmed case is found. 

If the viral transmission chain cannot be cut as early as possible, it may give rise to the risk of a community outbreak, it said.

Under the new arrangement, only persons below 12 years old or 65 years old or above and those with disabilities that render use of the app difficult will be exempted from the new rule.

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However, they will be required to complete a record form to register their names, the first four digits or letters of their identification documents, their contact numbers and the date and time of their visits. 

They are also required to present identification documents for verification at the request of the staff on-site during registration. The staff will also verify the contact numbers by making phone calls.

Immigration offices are included in the new rule

In addition to the exempted persons mentioned above, relevant government bureaus or departments may grant exemptions to individual persons depending on the actual circumstances, and register and verify information they provide. 

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The government is urging the public to download and use the app as soon as possible. It is also appealing for their cooperation with the staff on site in following the instructions to minimize the risk of further transmission of the virus.

Under the new arrangement, unwillingness to use the app will not be considered as justification for granting exemption.

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The government also reminded the public that any person who knowingly provides information that is false or misleading in a material particular is liable to prosecution.

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Govt wages all-out vaccination drive as 6 new cases reported

By The SUN  

Nip joins housing residents on a free bus service to a vaccination centre in Sham Shui Po

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip went to three districts today, Oct 21, to push the government’s campaign to get more people vaccinated against Covid-19, particularly the elderly.

Part of his itinerary was the inspection of the vaccination transport service which launched today at Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po. The service will provide free transportation between public housing estates and community vaccination centers.

The move comes as six new imported Covid-19 cases were recorded today, involving two arrivals from Mongolia, and one each from the Philippines, Netherlands, Indonesia and India.

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The two patients who flew from Mongolia via Korea on flight CX419 on Oct 17, tested positive while at the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre. They were taken there as close contacts of an earlier imported case. They both have the L452R mutant strain.

The patient from the Philippines is a 50-year-old female resident who came on Oct 17 via flight 5J472. She was in quarantine at Ramada Harbour View Hotel in Sai Ying Pun when she developed symptoms on Oct 19 and tested positive. She carries the L451R strain.

The 35-year-old male patient from the Netherlands is identified as a sea crew. He arrived on Oct 19 via KL819 and tested positive on arrival. He also has the mutant strain.

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There is one female domestic helper in the group, a 41-year-old Indonesian who was in quarantine at Penny’s Bay. She came via GA876 on Oct 17. Her specimen was not enough to test for variants.

The sixth patient is a 60-year-old male returnee from India who came on Oct 17 via AI314. He was staying at Silka Seaview Hotel in Yau Ma Tei when found infected. His test result for the variant is pending.

Meanwhile, Secretary Nip went to Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai and Wong Tai Sin earlier today as part of the government’s outreach vaccination services.

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The trial run of the transport service in Sham Shui Po is part of the effort to get as many residents, particularly the elderly, to take Covid-19 vaccines.

A vehicle will pick up residents at scheduled times in designated housing estates and take them to a nearby CVC for vaccination. The residents will be taken back to their housing estates after getting vaccinated.

The vaccination team led by Nip also went to Fung Ming Hall in Wong Tai Sin to provide Sinovac vaccination services to residents, today and tomorrow.

Public vaccination at Fung Ming Hall in Wong Tai Sin

Nip also attended a vaccination event for elderly persons in Wan Chai District at Wan Chai Activities Centre.

Another one-stop service providing health talk, medical consultation and Covid-19 vaccination will be held at Yoho Mall I in Yuen Long this Saturday, Oct. 23.

The outreach team will provide BioNTech vaccination services to residents of Yuen Long from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Residents can call 5193 0375 during office hours for enquiries, or they can register for vaccination on the spot.

There are various other channels for receiving their choice of a Covid-19 vaccine, including walk-ins at CVCs, or through private doctors or clinics participating in the government’s vaccination program.

In addition, the seven COVID-19 Vaccination Stations at public hospitals operate from 10am to 7pm on weekdays except public holidays, with no lunch break. The last vaccination is at 6.30pm.

For more details, visit www.covidvaccine.gov.hk.

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Overstaying Filipina stricken with cancer appeals for help

By Daisy CL Mandap 

Rowena lost so much blood she had to stay at Eastern Hospital for 3 weeks for transfusions

A 49-year-old Filipina who has overstayed her visa for the past four years and is in hospital with stage 2 cervical cancer is appealing for help, as she faces the prospect of being deported to the Philippines, sick and penniless.

Rowena R., who called The SUN from her sickbed at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital today, Oct. 21, said she has been told that she will be discharged tomorrow.

She does not know if the police will arrest and detain her, or she will be allowed to stay with a friend or at a shelter while her case is taken to court.

But her biggest fear according to her is, “wala po akong kapera-pera.” (I don’t have a single cent with me).

Rowena said she was taken to the hospital on Oct. 3, after she sought treatment from a private doctor in Sai Ying Pun, suffering from excessive bleeding, a common symptom of cervical cancer.

She had bled so much by then that in her first two weeks in hospital, four bags of blood had to be pumped into her veins. Afterwards, Rowena was disheartened when she was presented with a hospital bill for $30,000, which she knew she had no way of paying.

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When she was about to be discharged, she bled profusely again that she had to be kept in hospital for another week, and go through another round of blood transfusion. Rowena said she does not know yet how much the additional bill would come up to.

“Natatakot po ako na baka pag nasa labas na ako ay duguin na naman ako nang husto, e wala nga akong pera,” she said. (I am scared that I might bleed severely again after being discharged, when I have no money at all).

Rowena said she started working in Hong Kong 14 years ago at the age of 35, after she split from her husband whom she described as a womanizer.

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She worked in Hong Kong uninterruptedly for 10 years, but became unlucky with her last employer who hired her in 2017. She was terminated after only three months because, as Rowena simply said, “Hindi niya ako gusto.” (She simply didn’t like me).

Losing her job proved devastating to Rowena, who comes from a poor farming family in Nueva Ecija, and is a single mother of three girls, now aged between 24 and 29. “Hirap na hirap po kami, at walang maaasahan,” she said (We are so hard-up with no one to turn to).

She decided to bite the bullet, and go underground. But because she is faint of heart, Rowena said she took on odd jobs sparingly, not wanting to risk arrest. She did not earn much, but it was enough to provide for the basic needs of her growing family.

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By then, her eldest and youngest daughters had gotten married, said Rowena, but their home life was no better than when they were all just relying on her income.

Rowena is about to be disharged from hospital, but has nowhere to go

Asked why she did not surrender when the going was rough, she admits, “Yun na nga po ang pagkakamali ko,” she said. (That was a mistake on my part).

She would have continued living dangerously had cancer not compounded her already desperate situation.

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If she had a choice, Rowena said she would like to continue being treated in Hong Kong. But even with help from the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section and the very kindly social worker who worked on her case, the hospital turned down her request to stay on.

“Sabi nila sa akin pwede akong magpa radiation o chemotherapy, pero dapat may bayad. Aabot daw ng $100,000,” she said. (They told me I could have radiation or chemotherapy, but it would have to be paid. It would cost something like $100,000).

But for now, even the threat of being arrested and jailed for overstaying does not concern Rowena as much as the prospect of being penniless and sick when she gets home.

She hopes some kind-hearted souls would pitch in so she could have a bit of money to start a business that would help pay for her family’s meager needs and hopefully, cover the cost of her follow-up treatments for cancer.

Anyone who wishes to help Rowena fulfill her simple wish may contact Marites Palma, founder of Social Justice for Migrant Workers at 6872 0498 or the group's treasurer,  Maria Teresa Toralba at 55806248.

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Filipina charged with assaulting fellow helper on The Peak

By The SUN 

The alleged assault happened at the employer's house on Barker Road, The Peak

A 40-year-old Filipina was charged in Eastern Court today, Oct 21, with “assault occasioning bodily harm” for attacking a fellow domestic helper in July this year. The assault also cost the defendant her job.

The charge was read to the defendant, M. Tambaoan, when she appeared before Magistrate Daniel Tang this noon. It was her first appearance in court since her arrest after the Jul 14 incident.

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The prosecution said the other helper, Helen B. Garcia, suffered injuries when Tambaoan assaulted her at their employer’s residence at Bracken Hill, 12 Barker Road, The Peak.

Details of the attack were not disclosed by the prosecutor. No plea was taken.

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Tambaoan’s counsel from the Duty Lawyer Service said the defendant was fired by her employer after the incident. He said the woman was now staying in a boarding house in Tsuen Wan while looking for an employer.

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The lawyer requested for an adjournment of the case until early December so Tambaoan can collect some documents from the prosecution and to seek legal advice.

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The defendant was allowed to extend her bail, though it was increased to $500 at the prosecution’s request. She was told to appear in court again on Dec. 13.

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Free flu jabs at Polo for eligible Filipinos extended

By The SUN 

Poster for the free flu jabs say the vaccination will continue for at least two more Sundays

The free influenza vaccination at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Admiralty for Filipinos who are 50 years old and above or below 12 years old, pregnant women and those with disabilities, has been extended for at least two more Sundays, on Oct 24 and 31.

This is according to Assistant Labor Attache Angelica Sunga, today, Oct 21, after the third day of the free flu shots at Polo had to be cut shortly after lunch time as there were no more doses left.

ALA Sunga said the Shoebill Health Care clinic brought only a total of 150 doses, as the plan originally was to call off today’s vaccination, but nearly all of it was gone by noon.

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In the past two Sundays, about 400 doses on each day were administered to Filipinos, most of them migrant workers.

She said it is likely that the seasonal vaccination which has been offered at Polo for the past three years will continue even until next month, depending on Shoebill’s willingness to continue the project.

In future, Sunga said the vaccination may be extended to those below 50 years, but for a $200 fee to be paid directly to Shoebill. "But right now we want to give priority to those in the recommended age range as they are more vulnerable," she said.

ALA Sunga says those outside the age range may be given flu jabs in future, but for a fee

The flu shots are being provided by the Hong Kong government under the Department of Health’s vaccination subsidy scheme to prepare eligible members of the public for the coming winter flu season.

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 “Today, we brought only 150 shots because few workers come here on a weekday. On Sunday, we will bring more,” said a Shoebill staff after telling a Filipina who arrived after 2pm that the vaccination was over for the day.

All eligible Filipinos can avail themselves of the free inoculation in Polo on the 29^th floor of the United Centre Bldg from 9:30am to 4:30pm. All they have to do is to present their Hong Kong ID card and fill up a vaccination form.

The flu vaccine provided by Shoebill at Polo

On Wednesday, Acting Chief Executive John Lee and other top Hong Kong officials received their seasonal flu jabs as the government pushed the campaign for more residents to get the vaccination early.

“Influenza can cause not only serious illnesses in high-risk individuals but also infection in healthy persons. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications,” Lee said.

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He said flu vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and length of stay.

Those who just had their Covid-19 vaccine must wait for at least 14 days before getting the flu jab. Elderly people who are fit to take the flu vaccine must have no problem getting vaccinated for Covid-19. They should receive a coronavirus vaccine early as long as they not suffering from acute illness.

The government provides free or subsidized flu shots for eligible groups through various schemes targeting those who are in elderly care homes, schools or are disabled. 

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Eligible persons include residents of care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities, child care centres, children aged six months to under 12 years, persons aged 50 and above, pregnant women, persons with intellectual disability and recipients of Disability Allowance.

For more information, visit the website of the Centre for Health Protection https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/100764.html or call 2125 2125 during office hours. 

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