Customs officer tests positive a day after attending press conference

A customs officer has tested preliminarily positive for Covid-19 after he joined an operation against cannabidiol (CBD) products containing a banned substance.

The officer tested positive on Sunday morning after he had contact with a warehouse staff member who tested positive a day earlier, according to the Customs and Excise Department.

The two met during an investigation of cannabidiol products containing tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) on January 20 at a warehouse of a chain retailer in Tai Yuen Estate, Tai Po.

The customs officer felt unwell after the investigation and sought medical treatment. He also attended a press conference about the CBD products yesterday.

He has no travel history in the past 14 days and has been wearing surgical masks when performing duties. His last working day was January 22.

The officer is in stable condition under medical treatment in hospital.

While awaiting further assessment and recommendation by the Department of Health, CE&D has made arrangements for departmental staff who might have been in contact with the officer concerned to undergo testing today. 

Working places in question will be cleaned and sterilized. Officers have also been reminded to reduce social contact and pay attention to personal hygiene.

Finally, the department has flexibly deployed manpower to ensure provision of services remains unaffected.