2 unlinked COVID-19 cases found
The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating two additional local COVID-19 cases, both of which have unknown sources of infection.
The first case involves a 43-year-old Pakistani construction site worker who works at the Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel - Main Tunnel & Associated Works site.
He came back from Pakistan on March 16 and underwent quarantine at the Silka Far East Hotel Hong Kong in Tsuen Wan until April 5. Upon completion of quarantine, he stayed at his residence at Shek Wah House of Shek Lei (II) Estate in Kwai Chung.
The patient, who was asymptomatic, was tested at a community testing centre on May 9 and the result was negative. He underwent regular testing on May 23 and tested positive.
The other case involves a 37-year-old Filipina domestic helper who was asymptomatic.
She arrived from the Philippines on March 20 and underwent quarantine at the Ramada Hong Kong Grand View in North Point until April 10. She then went to stay at her employer's residence at Tai Tung Wo Liu Village in Sai Kung.
The patient was tested at a community testing centre on May 9 in accordance with the requirements of compulsory testing notices and her result was negative. On May 22, she underwent another test and the result was positive.
The test result by the Department of Health's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch revealed that the patient carried the N501Y mutant strain and the E484K mutant gene, but not the L452R mutant gene. She tested positive for antibodies after admission to hospital.
The patient said she went to the Immigration Department's Fo Tan Branch Office on April 30 and May 11, and to visit a relative's place at Block 8, Villa Oceania in Ma On Shan on May 9 and 16. She also went to Ma On Shan Park on May 1, 2 and 23.
People who had been to places visited by the two patients are required to undergo compulsory testing, the centre noted.
It has also arranged for the patients' close contacts to be sent to a quarantine centre. Epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing are ongoing.
Meanwhile, specified people in relation to Tower 6, Island Harbourview in Tai Kok Tsui are reminded to undergo compulsory testing on May 26. A mobile specimen collection station will be set up in the estate to provide free testing services.
Additionally, six schools are covered in the latest compulsory testing notice due to outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection or influenza-like illness.
The Learning Habitat Kindergarten located at 1/F, The Sparkle in Cheung Sha Wan was removed from the compulsory testing notice on May 24 since it had been covered in another one on April 26.
A total of 23 cases were reported in the past 14 days, including six local cases, of which three have unknown infection sources, and one that is possibly a local case.
For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.