New COVID-19 cluster a concern

June 2, 2020

Chief Executive Carrie Lam:

As far as COVID-19, I am very worried about this outbreak in the community - not because of the number, involving nine confirmed patients - but also because this particular cluster reflects some characteristics which we might not have seen before. We have seen a lot of infections in family contacts. But in the workplace, we have seen a little bit (of it) in the workplace, in a bar, a band and so on. But in the environment, so living in the same building but not affected by the drainage system or the building structures, is something that gets me very worried and also I believe the experts. So they have to do a lot more investigation to trace the causes of these infections and to receive as quickly as possible the specimens back, so that we have a better idea of the extent and the spread of the infections in the local community. So with that background and new development, I said that we will adopt a very cautious and prudent approach in dealing with the various measures that we have put in place. One is the 14-day mandatory quarantine imposed on arrivals from almost everywhere. If they are from the Mainland, Macau, Taiwan, it is under Cap 599C. If they are from foreign places, it is under Cap 599E. Both regulations will expire later this month. The second batch of measures will be those trying to enhance social distancing through Cap 599F in regard of catering and business premises, and Cap 599G prohibiting group gatherings. I do not want to give a firm view yet because again, you know this is Tuesday, we have an Executive Council meeting to follow. But I can tell you that we will announce the decision very soon. It is not a matter of taking away people's freedoms. Actually public health is also part of national security. National security is not just about explosives and rifles. National security includes financial security, includes public health security. So when it comes to matters like public security, people will accept, Hong Kong people willingly abide by some of the restrictions in order to protect themselves, their families and society at large.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government is highly concerned about a COVID-19 community cluster linked to a Lek Yuen Estate resident as it reflects some characteristics not seen before and warrants more investigation into tracing the source of infection.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam made the remarks ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting, adding that of particular concern was that the patients lived in the same building yet were not affected by the drainage system or the building structures.

“We have seen a lot of infections in family contacts. But in the workplace, we have seen a little bit (of it) in the workplace, in a bar, a band and so on. But in the environment, so living in the same building but not affected by the drainage system or the building structures, is something that gets me very worried and also I believe the experts.

“So they have to do a lot more investigation to trace the causes of these infections and to receive as quickly as possible the specimens back, so that we have a better idea of the extent and the spread of the infections in the local community.

“So with that background and new development, I said that we will adopt a very cautious and prudent approach in dealing with the various measures that we have put in place.”

Mrs Lam noted the Government will also have to decide on whether to continue the various measures that will expire this month, including those enhancing social distancing in catering and business premises, prohibiting group gatherings, and the 14-day mandatory quarantine imposed on arrivals from the Mainland, Macau and Taiwan as well as from foreign countries.

“I do not want to give a firm view yet because again, you know this is Tuesday, we have an Executive Council meeting to follow. But I can tell you that we will announce the decision very soon."

The Chief Executive also pointed out that such restrictions are imposed for the sake of public health.

“It is not a matter of taking away people’s freedoms. Actually public health is also part of national security. National security is not just about explosives and rifles. National security includes financial security, includes public health security.

“So when it comes to matters like public security, people will accept, Hong Kong people willingly abide by some of the restrictions in order to protect themselves, their families and society at large.”