Sham Shui Po Block Partially Evacuated

University of Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung has recommended the partial evacuation of residents after inspecting a public housing block in Sham Shui Po, citing risks of vertical transmission of the virus, after two more preliminary cases were reported there.

A family living in Tung Moon House at Tai Hang Tung Estate have been infected after their relative, who had flown in from Pakistan, came down with the virus after completing her hotel quarantine.

Health authorities said a woman, 42, and her daughter, 3, who live in the flat directly above them have now tested preliminary positive.

Yuen said the virus might have been transmitted by exhaust fans in flat 514 to flat 614.

But he also said the virus could have spread through sewage pipes.

About 30 residents living in flat 14 from the first to the 11th floor were being urged to evacuate.

The woman and her child had tested negative during a previous overnight lockdown of the building, but the child had developed a fever since.

The Centre for Health Protection said more testing locations will be set up in Sham Shui Po for residents there to get tested.