Hong Kong Customs today (November 25) learned that a female probationary Customs Officer has preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The officer's specimen for COVID-19 testing has been sent to the Department of Health (DH) for a confirmatory test.
The officer had started to receive induction training at the Hong Kong Customs College (HKCC) since November 16 and was notified today through the Targeted Group Testing Scheme that she had preliminarily tested positive for the virus. She is now under medical treatment. Her specimen for COVID-19 testing has also been sent to the DH for a confirmatory test according to the established procedures.
The officer has no recent travel history. She has been wearing surgical masks during training and has properly maintained social distancing with people she has had contact with. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening before training every day.
The department has been closely co-operating with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on the CHP's epidemiological investigations to follow up on the situations of other trainees and trainers. They have also been arranged to conduct virus tests. In view of the situation, the HKCC has arranged a thorough cleaning and sterilisation at relevant training venues and facilities.
Customs has all along been highly concerned about the epidemic of COVID-19. Apart from continuing to step up the cleaning and sterilising measures, the department also reminds all officers to strictly comply with the hygienic measures of infectious diseases provided by the CHP at all times. The officers will also be reminded to consult a doctor promptly if they have any discomforting symptoms.
Ends/Wednesday, November 25, 2020