12 COVID-19 cases detected

February 14, 2021

Centre for Health Protection Principal Medical & Health Officer Dr Albert Au: 
Regarding the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) hairdresser, when we performed an epidemiological investigation, we found that the (COVID-19 related) case worked in a powder room with around 300 to 400 sq ft which can accommodate up to 20 to 30 people inside the room. So it is quite a crowded environment to work in. 
During his work he would (style) hair for the guests and performers and would also use the hair dryer and aerosol gel spray. So we defined several categories of people (considered) as close contacts. 
First of all, his co-workers working in the same powder room will be regarded as close contacts and also those who were served by him during this infectious period from February 9 to 11. And third, (for) other guests or performers who stayed inside this room during his presence and without masks or (engaged) in activities inside the room, they will be regarded as close contacts. 
So we (consider) all three categories of people I mentioned as close contacts in order to prevent any further spread in the community.

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 12 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 10 are locally transmitted.

Among the local cases, three have unknown sources of infection including a 35-year-old Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) hair stylist.

At a press briefing this afternoon, the centre's Principal Medical & Health Officer Dr Albert Au noted that the stylist worked in a crowded environment that could advance the spread of the virus.

“Regarding the RTHK hairdresser, when we performed an epidemiological investigation, we found that the COVID-19 related case worked in a powder room with around 300 to 400 sq ft which can accommodate up to 20 to 30 people inside the room. So it is quite a crowded environment to work in.

“During his work he would style hair for the guests and performers and would also use the hair dryer and aerosol gel spray."

Dr Au explained that all those who came into contact with the hair stylist are considered close contacts who require follow-up action.

“First of all, his co-workers working in the same powder room will be regarded as close contacts and also those who were served by him during this infectious period from February 9 to 11. And third, for other guests or performers who stayed inside this room during his presence and without masks or engaged in activities inside the room, they will be regarded as close contacts.

“So we consider all three categories of people I mentioned as close contacts in order to prevent any further spread in the community.”

The Government announced that it will set up mobile specimen collection stations at 15-17 Mody Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Shek Lei Community Hall, Saddle Ridge Garden in Ma On Shan and Metro City in Tseung Kwan O tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the service period of the mobile specimen collection station at Wong Chuk Hang Sports Centre will be extended to February 21.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.