Orchestra Concert Audiences Urged To Get Covid Tests

Health officials are recommending that people who attended two recent performances by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra get tested for coronavirus, after an orchestra member tested positive.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said on Wednesday that the audience members are not considered close contacts of the musician because they had all worn face masks. But to be on the safe side, they are advised to take a Covid-19 test even if they don't have any symptoms.

Anybody who attended the performances on Friday and Saturday evenings should seek treatment immediately if they feel unwell, the CHP said.

The orchestra's bass clarinetist tested preliminary positive for the new coronavirus on Tuesday.

The CHP said the 35-year-old developed a fever on Sunday after performing the previous two days. He lives in Tung Chung and sought treatment at both the North Lantau and Union hospitals on Monday.

Officials have advised the Cultural Centre, where the performances were held, to shut its concert hall for a fortnight for disinfection.

The centre said it has also arranged tests for some 50 backstage staff, even though they also wore face masks and had no direct contact with the patient. Around 90 performers have been quarantined.

Health officials reported no new confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday. A number eight typhoon signal the day before severely affected lab testing and sample collection services.

But sources told RTHK that in addition to the musician, there were several further preliminary positive cases.