Hong Kong Customs today (December 4) learnt that a female cashier of the staff canteen at the Customs Headquarters Building has preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In view of the special work arrangements for government employees implemented by the Government starting from December 2, the canteen has been temporarily closed since the same day.
The cashier last performed her duties on December 1. She then felt unwell and visited a hospital yesterday (December 3). She is now under medical treatment.
The cashier has no recent travel history. She has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties and has properly maintained social distancing with people she has had contact with. Her body temperature was normal when undergoing temperature screening before work every day.
Customs has appealed to all staff members that they should undergo COVID-19 testing promptly if they have patronised the staff canteen between November 17 and December 1. 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 the colleagues working with the cashier. The concerned working places have also undergone a thorough cleaning and sterilisation.
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. The officers will also be reminded to consult a doctor promptly if they have any discomforting symptoms.
Ends/Friday, December 4, 2020