HK Sees New Outbreaks Involving Health Workers

Health officials say they are concerned about coronavirus infections among healthcare workers, with small outbreaks now reported at Tsing Yi Ambulance Depot and Princess Margaret Hospital.

In total, the authorities recorded 41 new coronavirus cases on Monday, 38 of which were locally acquired. The source of infection in 11 patients was unclear.

One of the new cases was an ambulanceman who works at Tsing Yi Ambulance Depot, the second case at the facility. Another ambulanceman also tested preliminary positive for the virus.

Some 40 people who work at the site are to be put under quarantine.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre for Health Protection said she was not sure if the first ambulanceman who fell sick contracted the virus while transporting Covid-19 patients.

“It’s possible that he acquired the disease from the community. Of course we cannot exclude that... he might have contacted some confirmed case during work but according to our understanding, they have all worn full PPE,” she said.

"It's possible that the other two cases acquired the virus from each other during work or interactions."

At Princess Margaret Hospital, two more patient assistants tested preliminary positive for coronavirus, after one case was reported at its occupational therapy department last week.

The aides were responsible for making pressure garments for patients and had used the same sewing machine.

A chief manager with the Hospital Authority, Dr Sara Ho, said the assistants also had meals in the same room.

“We still cannot exclude the transmission can be through the sharing of the materials used. At the moment, we've already closed the room and also started the disinfection process,” Ho said.

Some 40 other people have also tested preliminary positive for the virus.