📡Guardians of Hong Kong
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We provide translation of news in English from local media and other sources, for academic use.
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#ChinaPneumonia
Wear Mask Properly for Desired Protection

For those putting on a mask with an aim to prevent the spreading of pathogens, use the 3-layer surgical mask. Other masks with tiny air holes for enhanced breathability, claiming suitable for reuse and for dust prevention (e.g. Pitta Mask), cannot prevent the spread of droplet-transmissible diseases.

Most 3-layer surgical masks include an outer fluid-repelling layer, a middle layer serves as a barrier to germs, and an inner moisture-absorbing layer. In general, the coloured side or the side with folds facing downwards of the surgical mask should face outwards with the metallic strip facing up.

Surgical masks are designed to reduce the spread of droplet-transmissible diseases, such as seasonal influenza and measles virus, etc, only when it is used properly.

When wearing a mask, make sure its size fits you, extend it to fully cover the mouth, nose and chin. Mould the metallic strip over nose bridge and the surgical mask should fit snugly over your face.

After taking off the surgical mask, discard it in a lidded rubbish bin and perform hand hygiene immediately. Surgical mask should not be reused and replace the mask immediately if it is damaged or soiled.

Source: Facebook: @medstudenthk; Centre for Health Protection

Further Reading:
What Mask to Wear during Pneumonia outbreak? Surgical Mask or N95 Mask?:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14847

Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769

Useful information on masks: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14997?single

#7Jan #Health #Protection
#ChinaPneumonia
Government Convenes Steering Committee Meeting to Prevent Novel Infectious Disease

A steering committee meeting was convened by the Food and Health Bureau yesterday (January 6) to discuss the cluster of viral pneumonia cases with unknown cause detected in Wuhan. Among preventive and control measures, amendment to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) was said in full swing to include severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease, which, was expected to be gazetted within this week.

Chairing the meeting, Professor Chan said, "Currently, no serious pneumonia case related to Wuhan has been detected in Hong Kong, but the cluster of viral pneumonia cases in Wuhan can be regarded as a 'Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance'.

Chan also said, “the Government will keep in view the risk assessment and recommendations made by the World Health Organization, and continue to maintain close liaison with the National Health Commission. The Government will also closely monitor the latest situation of the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan and update the surveillance criteria and testing strategies accordingly."

Source: Government Information Services
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/06/P2020010600912.htm?fontSize=1

Further Reading:
Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html

Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769

Wear Mask Properly for Desired Protection:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14991

6 More Patients with Pneumonia Symptoms Admitted to Hospitals in Hong Kong after Travelling to China:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14976

#7Jan #Health #Wuhan #HongKong
#ChinaPneumonia
3 New Fever Cases After Visiting Wuhan Found in Macao

The Macau Health Bureau reported that 3 new cases of fever and respiratory symptoms after visiting Wuhan were found in the last two days (5 to 6 January), totalling 8 cases of similar symptoms. Among them, 7 were diagnosed with influenza or common cold and other viral infections, and one of them was still being treated under isolation in a hospital. This patient has not been to the Hua-nan seafood wholesale market in Wuhan and this report said that his health condition has been improving. Macau, so far, has not identified any case linked to the mysterious Wuhan pneumonia disease.

The Authority has stepped up manpower to strengthen control measures at borders, including Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, cross-border industrial zones, and the Lotus Port, especially at the airport. Results of body temperature screening along the port indicated no fever case was found among Wuhan visitors.

Source: RTHK
#7Jan #Macao
#ChinaPneumonia
HA Reported 9 New Cases Today, With Youngest at 6 Years Old

In the past 24 hours, 9 new patients who have visited Wuhan in the past 14 days showed signs of fever, respiratory infection or pneumonia. They were admitted to public hospitals, including 4 females and 5 males, aged between 6 to 49.

Dr Raymond Lai, the Chief Infection Control Officer of the Hospital Authority (HA) reported that the patients are currently in stable condition and are being treated in an isolation ward.

Including the above cases, 30 new cases of respiratory infection have been reported to HA from public hospitals since December 31, 2019. 13 patients have been discharged.

Source : Government Information Services
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/07/P2020010700549.htm

Further Reading:
Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html

Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769

Wear Mask Properly for Desired Protection:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14991

Useful Information on Masks
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14997

#7Jan #Wuhan #Health #HongKong
Carrie Lam Restates Fake News Are Being Unhelpful in Fight Against New Pneumonia Disease

The Chief Executive of the HKSAR government reiterated that there was no severe case related to the Wuhan pneumonia disease found in Hong Kong so far. She then newsjacked on the “fake news” frequently found in past few months and restated that “fake news will not help the fight against this unknown disease.”

Other key points in the Press Conference worth noting:

1. A total of 21 cases were found in Hong Kong with patients have been to Wuhan 14 days before the onset of respiratory-related diseases.

2. Meeting in person with the pro-government district councilors who are retiring or stepping down, "was not a display of favouritism, but a sign of appreciation of what they did," said Carrie Lam.

3. She refused to comment on the personnel changes within The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

4. She refused to set up an Independent Investigation Committee as she believed it to be "not the right way to move forward".

5. She believed there to be too many false accusations against the Police Force. Saying that "[t]here was one yesterday initiated by Lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting of the Democratic Party".

6. It was hard to convince any right caliber to join the Independent Review Committee as most were worried about being doxed.

Source: Inmedia
https://bit.ly/2QQ8HgR

#7Jan #CarrieLam #PressConference
#ChinaPneumonia
Is HKSAR Government Watering Down Severity of the Issue – Sufficient Mask? Sufficient Isolation Beds? Sufficient Protection Against Unknown Pneumonia?

Responding to the outbreak of unknown pneumonia-like disease in Wuhan, Health Secretary Sophia Chan announced today (January 7) in a media briefing of additional control and preventive measures, including an amendment to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) which requires severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease. Regarding the shortage of surgical masks in the market, Chan said that the stock in public hospital is sufficient for 3 months and the government would be in close communication with manufacturers to ensure supple of masks in marketplace.

The amendment, which gives the authorities the rights to quarantine and isolate suspected patients, would be gazetted tomorrow (January 8), according to the Food & Health Bureau, which came after 8 days, and as many as 30 of reported suspected cases since New Year’s Eve. Chan denied being slow on the uptake in responses and reiterated that the Bureau has been stepping up control measures in “full swing”.

Chung Kin-lai, Director of the Quality and Safety Division of the Hospital Authority (HA) revealed that there are about 480 conventional isolation beds in public hospital and the utilization rate is around 60% to 70%. He described the overall resource status as “tight”, however, he also mentioned that if necessary, the number of isolated beds can be increased to 1,400 in 72 hours.

Based on the Public Hospitals Key Statistics during Service Demand Surge, the medical inpatient bed occupancy rate at midnight of January 6 has gone well beyond 100%, with the highest standing at 133%. Among 16 public hospitals, inpatient bed occupancy rate of only 2 were below 100%, at 87% and 96%. Is the government watering down severity of the issue again?

Source: Stand News; Hospital Authority
#7Jan #Health #HongKong
#ChinaPneumonia
Here's a joke for you: Serious Response Level had been activated in public hospitals by The Hospital Authority against the Wuhan Pneumonia

I have a question for Chan Siu-chee and the management of the Hospital Authority. There are currently over 60 people stuck at the A&E overnight, waiting to be treated. This sight looks as pathetic as a refugee camp. Do you think such an environment will be able to meet the standards of public health and infection control?

If you claim that there is sufficient manpower, then please come down and explain to the patient and their relatives why there are only 1.5 nurses to take care 60 patients. Furthermore, there is a 20-hour waiting time. Some of them had to sleep under the television while waiting!

You have created 1400 beds out of nothing, but who is going to handle the nursing of the patients and the doing of ward rounds? The management?

The people are not as ignorant as you think. Fabricating lies and 'moving the goalposts' has become second nature to you, and you're at a point whereby you're fooling yourselves.

Source: @ERcrazydoctor

Further Reading:
Is HKSAR Government Watering Down Severity of the Issue – Sufficient Mask? Sufficient Isolation Beds? Sufficient Protection Against Unknown Pneumonia?
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/15006

Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html

Emergency Notice from BWHK & GOHK
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14769

Wear Mask Properly for Desired Protection
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14991

#7Jan #Health #Hospitals #GovernmentLies