'No need for HK to follow mainland virus criteria'

'No need for HK to follow mainland virus criteria'

A Hong Kong health official said on Thursday that the SAR does not need to adopt a new method of confirming coronavirus infections introduced on the mainland.



The number of confirmed cases in virus-ravaged Hubei province soared overnight after authorities there broadened their definition for an infection to include people clinically diagnosed via lung imaging. Previously, they had documented cases using a more sophisticated laboratory test.



The head of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, Ho Pak-leung, told RTHK that the new way of counting virus patients would better reflect the actual situation and the SAR should consider following suit.



But Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, said there is no need for Hong Kong to make any changes.



At a media briefing, Chuang said the mainland had probably introduced the move due to a lack of testing equipment. But in Hong Kong, tests can be carried out in a few hours and doctors are having no problems in this regard.



The officials said government officers are still checking a Tsing Yi block where four people have caught the virus.



More than 100 residents of Hong Mei House have been evacuated and quarantined. Chuang said residents could return home after relevant investigations and tests are completed.



At the briefing, Chuang also offered this piece of Valentine's Day advice – avoid seeing your loved ones if you feel sick, and wear face masks if necessary.