Health advice on Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

13 April 2021

The Emergency Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for the Novel Infectious Disease of the Public Health Significance is activated

World Health Organization announcement on 11 March 2020: COVID-19 is a pandemic

Causative agent

COVID-19 refers to the cluster of viral pneumonia cases occurring in Wuhan, Hubei Province, since December 2019. According to investigation by the Mainland health authorities, a novel coronavirus is found to be the causative agent.

Clinical features

According to information provided by the Mainland health authorities, symptoms of the cases include fever, malaise, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some cases were in serious condition. People of older age or having underlying disease are at a higher risk of deterioration into serious condition.

Mode of transmission and incubation period

The main mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, the virus can also be transmitted through contact. Most estimates of the incubation period range from 1 to 14 days, most commonly around 5 days.

Prevention

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

Health advice

  • Members of the public are urged to go out less and reduce social activities such as meals gatherings or other gatherings, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible.

  • To maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community.

Travel advice

  • Members of the public are strongly urged to avoid non-essential travel outside Hong Kong. If it is unavoidable to travel to countries/areas outside Hong Kong, they should put on a surgical mask and continue to do so for 14 days upon their return to Hong Kong.

  • After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if experiencing a fever or other symptoms, take the initiative to inform the doctor of any recent travel history and any exposure to animals, and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease.
Health Tips for Fighting the Virus (Students) (Chinese version only)
Health Tips for Fighting the Virus (Parents) (Chinese version only)

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