Build line of defence and break transmission chain of virus
5 April 2020
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COVID-19 continues to rage in many countries and regions all over the world, with the cumulative number of confirmed cases exceeding 1 million. The figure has been going up at a speed of more than 50 000 new cases almost every day. Meanwhile, the local number of confirmed cases is on the rise, with the source and transmission route of many local infections non-traceable. The situation is very worrying.
The tracing of virus spreaders, which should be done quickly and precisely, is extremely important for breaking the transmission chain. The Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System (MIIDSS), commonly known as the “Super Computer”, is the Police’s computer system for data management which has assisted in the investigation of major incidents, identification of victims in disasters and handling of casualty enquiries. At the request of the Department of Health (DH), the Police activated the MIIDSS earlier to provide effective support and assistance to the Centre for Health Protection in epidemiological investigations and contact tracing for confirmed cases.
Last Thursday, I visited the Police Headquarters to understand at first hand the Force’s work in tracing contacts of confirmed cases. Apart from using the “Super Computer” in analytical work, the Force has also fully utilised its criminal investigation capabilities, professionalism and experience to conduct in-depth investigation on a number of local infection cases (such as the cluster cases in Sai Wan Ho and Fook Wai Ching She in North Point, and the mini-outbreak at Lan Kwai Fong), and has tracked down taxi passengers for confirmed cases involving taxi drivers as well as taxi drivers for confirmed cases involving taxi passengers. The Police would trace the close contacts of confirmed cases, identify transmission hotspots, sources of cluster cases and super-spreaders, and pass the information to the DH for follow-up actions, with a view to curbing community spread as early as possible. The Police’s efforts in helping sever the chain of disease transmission should be fully recognised.
Between 19 and 31 March, the Government issued over 51 000 compulsory quarantine orders to overseas visitors and about 80 of them were suspected of breaching the orders. Besides, three people have been charged and sentenced to immediate imprisonment for breaching home quarantine orders.
In fact, we cannot prevent community spread solely by law enforcement and prosecution. Success in the prevention and control of the disease lies in all citizens being self-disciplined and law-abiding.
Quarantine centres play an important part in the line of defence for epidemic prevention. Persons sent to quarantine centres are mainly those who have been in close contact with confirmed patients. During the quarantine period, their health conditions are closely monitored by the DH and prompt arrangements will be made for their isolation treatment in hospitals when symptoms develop, which should help reduce the risk of community spread to a great extent.
The Government has been looking for suitable sites to increase quarantine facilities as soon as possible. Currently, there are four quarantine centres, namely Chun Yeung Estate at Fo Tan, Chai Wan Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, Jao Tsung-I Academy Heritage Lodge and Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp at Pat Heung, Yuen Long (JPC@Pat Heung), providing about 1 740 units, over 40% of which are now in use.
The rapid development of the epidemic has also led to much greater demand for quarantine facilities. The Government is racing against time to add new quarantine units through renovation and addition works. Since mid-March, we have been preparing more quarantine units in Blocks 3 and 4 of Chun Yeung Estate. Our target is to add some 1 660 units within this month.
Meanwhile, we will continue to construct at least 1 000 quarantine units using the modular integrated construction method at Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village in Chai Wan, Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre, JPC@Pat Heung and a government site at Penny’s Bay. These units are expected to be completed and put into use in phases from April to July.
The three temporary accommodation sites provided by the Government, namely Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre, Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre and Lady MacLehose Holiday Village, are also taking in home confinees who are unable to arrange temporary accommodation for compulsory quarantine purposes.
Health is priceless and life is precious. It is incumbent upon all of us to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We must not let down our guard until the epidemic is under control. In this critical stage of the battle, social distancing and good personal hygiene remain a vital part of our anti-epidemic strategies. I appeal to all Hong Kong people to unite in our combat against the virus.
