COVID-19 UPDATE
TOPLINE
– 60 new cases (57 local + 3 imported)
– Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates are to be included as very high-risk Group B specified places from Feb 2
– Total assets of Exchange Fund increase to HK$4,500.8 billion (about US$577 billion) at end 2020
CHP investigates 60 confirmed cases of COVID-19
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700708.htm
– 60 new cases (57 local + 3 imported)
– Total now 10,283 (10,282 confirmed + 1 probable)
– 174 deaths
– 9,162 discharged
28-day rolling sitrep of new infections (most recent figure first, local infections in brackets)
– 60 (57); 64 (63); 73 (69); 76 (72); 81 (78); 61 (55); 70 (63); 77 (77); 56 (55); 107 (102); 55 (51); 50 (49); 38 (35); 29 (26); 42 (42); 60 (60); 41 (38); 31 (28); 59 (53); 45 (42); 33 (29); 25 (22); 32 (31); 53 (43); 41 (40); 35 (34); 42 (36); 68 (62)
14-day rolling totals (Jan 13 – 26)
Total cases: 879; local cases: 837; unknown source: 331
7-day moving average of cases with unknown sources (Jan 27)
– 26.0
The latest situation of COVID-19 cases
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/local_situation_covid19_en.pdf
Since 31 December 2019, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has recorded a total of 10283 cases of COVID-19, including 10282 confirmed cases and 1 probable case (Case no. 97). Among these cases, 9162 were discharged and 174 were fatal cases, and 916 cases were still hospitalised or pending admission.
Public hospitals’ daily update on COVID-19 cases
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700675.htm
HA announces the passing away of two COVID-19 patients
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700515.htm
A 67-year-old male COVID-19 confirmed patient (case number: 7123) with chronic illness, was admitted to UCH on the night of December 7, 2020, due to fever and upper abdomen pain; a 56-year-old female patient with chronic illness was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital by ambulance in the morning of January 26 due to shortness of breath.
CHP follows up on COVID-19 confirmed cases and preliminary positive cases at Block C, Tung Fat Building in North Point
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700815.htm
The Department of Health will issue quarantine orders to all asymptomatic residents of units 6 and 7 on all floors of Block C, Tung Fat Building (1st Floor to 15th Floor) and transfer them to quarantine centres; symptomatic residents will be sent to the hospital for treatment.
Government gazettes compulsory testing notices
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/28/P2021012800015.htm
– compulsory testing notices for persons present at 22 specified premises during the specified period
Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700720.htm
– Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates are to be included as very high-risk Group B specified places from February 2
Article by CE: Fighting the Epidemic for One Year Consolidating Our Experience
https://www.ceo.gov.hk/eng/pdf/article20210127.pdf
In anti-epidemic work, there is always room for improvement. While efforts made should not be dismissed, we will accept criticism with humility and sincerity, learn from experience and look for ways to improve. Though determined and diligent in the fight against the epidemic, we have no alternative but to consider the situation in Hong Kong and the feasibility of various measures. We totally understand the hardship faced by commercial premises under mandatory closure or restricted business operations, the effect on student mental health with the lack of face-to-face classes, the worries of children for not being able to visit their parents living in residential care homes, and the disappointment of the public avoiding gatherings with families and friends. However, as we are combating an unprecedented global pandemic, we seek your endurance and ongoing concerted efforts to overcome this challenge. Let us continue the anti-epidemic work in a proactive manner and with unwavering confidence.
Transcript of remarks by CS at media session
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700553.htm
The operation last night was successful. Despite the fact that only one case was established, I think it’s very important really to achieve zero cases. This is our objective. We will in future adopt more of this operation style. In other words, surprise, quick and targeted.
Man sentenced for breaching compulsory quarantine order
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700767.htm
The application period for Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments and Party Rooms ends on January 29
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700354.htm
Exchange Fund Position in end-December 2020
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700548.htm
The Abridged Balance Sheet shows that the total assets of the Exchange Fund increased by HK$294.1 billion, from HK$4,206.7 billion at the end of 2019 to HK$4,500.8 billion (about US$577 billion) at the end of 2020. The increase was mainly attributable to the investment income in 2020 and an increase in the balance of the banking system, which was partly offset by the reduction in Fiscal Reserves placements.
LegCo Q&A
LCQ1: Measures to boost the economy
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700342.htm
LCQ4: Variants of the coronavirus
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700499.htm
LCQ7: Support measures for the cross-boundary passenger service sector
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700282.htm
LCQ8: Improving the design of drainage pipes
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700446.htm
LCQ10: Locally produced face masks
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700183.htm
LCQ11: Inspection of drainage pipes
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700334.htm
LCQ16: Relief measures
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700240.htm
LCQ19: Support measures under Anti-epidemic Fund
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700340.htm
LCQ22: Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccination programmes
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202101/27/P2021012700522.htm
CHP Facebook page: 【All vaccines should be stored at room temperature.】
https://www.facebook.com/CentreforHealthProtection/photos/a.975137902502127/4307014252647792
FALSE. Although the vaccine should usually be stored at 2°C ~ 8°C, it could nevertheless stay at room temperature for a short while immediately before the vaccination.