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| HK Press Conference |
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Hong Kong reports their 27th, 28th, and 29th confirmed novel coronavirus cases - two of whom attended a large family gathering on the second day of the new year - after which many of the participants fell ill.
Seven others in attendance have initially tested positive, and two others are being tested. At least two people returned to Guangdong Province without being tested.Zhang Zhujun, director of the Infectious Diseases Division of the CHP, stated that the current strategy may not be able to stop the spread of the virus in the community, and asked those with respiratory symptoms to reduce going out, try to avoid family gatherings or crowded parties, and to wear masks.
Three new cases of new pneumonia confirmed by two grandsons
February 9, 2020
The Centre for Health Protection stated that the number of confirmed cases of new coronavirus infection in Hong Kong increased to 29. In the three new cases, the two were grandparents. A total of 19 members of their family attended the party on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and many later became unwell.
Zhang Zhujun, director of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Center for Health Protection, told a press conference today that in the newly confirmed cases, a 24-year-old man and his grandmother had a family gathering in a party room on the fourth floor of the Wing Hing Industrial Building in Kwun Tong on January 26. BBQ and hot pot.
A total of 19 people attended the meeting, and 11 people had or have experienced discomfort. In addition to two confirmed patients, another seven were initially tested positive for the new coronavirus and two samples are being tested. Participants at the meeting included two relatives from Guangdong Province who left Hong Kong at the end of last month.
The 24-year-old man began to have fever and cough on January 30. He consulted a private doctor. On February 8 he went to the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital because he did not have a fever, and was confirmed this morning. His grandmother was admitted to the East District Nethersole Hospital on February 1.
The remaining confirmed case was a 70-year-old man living in Niuchi Bay with chronic disease. He coughed with cold on January 30, consulted a private doctor, and was transferred to the Accident and Emergency Department of the United Hospital. He was isolated and treated at the United Hospital on February 8. The patient did not travel outside during the incubation period and stayed at home most of the time.
Zhang Zhujun said that from the outbreaks in the family, many people have mild symptoms, and even if they seek medical treatment, they may be regarded as influenza. As these patients have no travel history and no contact with confirmed patients, it is currently difficult to isolate all suspected cases.
She said that the current strategy may not be effective in stopping the spread of the community; citizens who have respiratory symptoms should reduce going out, try to avoid attending family or crowded parties, and wear masks. As for other people who do not have symptoms, contact with patients should be minimized, and hands should be washed frequently.
Zhang Zhujun believes that there is no community outbreak at present, but there are cases spreading in the community. The authorities will try to isolate confirmed patients and their close contacts to slow down the epidemic.
