The Government today announced that a Customs Officer has preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.

The officer works on the 23rd floor of the Customs Headquarters Building in North Point. The floor is not open to the public.

He is responsible for logistic duties and last worked on July 16. He felt unwell on the morning of July 17.

After seeking medical treatment at a private clinic, he was notified on the night of July 17 to have preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.

Isolation treatment in hospital is being arranged for the officer.

The officer, who has no recent travel history, has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties and properly maintained social distancing with people he had contact with.

His body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening during work.

Customs has been closely co-operating with the Centre for Health Protection’s epidemiological investigations.

Colleagues working with the officer are asymptomatic. The department has liaised with the centre to arrange for those officers to undergo COVID-19 testing.

The floor where he works will also undergo thorough cleaning and sterilisation.

Customs has stepped up the cleaning and sterilising measures for all working locations and will remind all officers to strictly comply with the centre’s hygienic measures.

Its officers will also be reminded to consult a doctor promptly if they have any symptoms of discomfort.