HK Phil concert-goers told to get tested for virus

People who attended a performance by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra on October 9 and 10 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre should pay attention to their health and test themselves for the coronavirus as a safety precaution, health officials advised today.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said a newly-confirmed patient is being investigated.

The patient is a musician of the Hong Kong Phil, who lives in Tung Chung. The 35-year-old male had developed a fever on October 11 and went to North Lantau Hospital and Union Hospital on the 12th. His respiratory tract samples initially tested positive for the virus.

His family members do not have symptoms, but are in quarantine, the center said.

Sample bottles would be distributed at the residential building where the patient lives, the center said.

The patient, Lorenzo Antonio Iosco, a bass clarinettist had performed at the Cultural Center Concert Hall in Tsim Sha Tsui on the evening of October 9 and 10. More than 90 musicians shared the stage with him. They will be sent into quarantine.

Early inquiries revealed that more than 50 backstage staff had not come into contact with the patient, but will be tested.

The audience at the two concerts are not deemed close contacts, but the center said they should pay attention to their physical condition and seek medical attention as soon as possible if they feel unwell.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has been asked to arrange cleaning and disinfection of the venue and to suspend the operation of the Concert Hall. Sample bottles will be handed to staff of the Cultural Center and other staff of the orchestra.

Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui Ying-wai has also been tested after shortly visiting musicians of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra last Friday.

Tsui had been seen visiting and talking to members of the orchestra, however, he was not considered a close contact needing quarantine as he only stayed for five minutes with his mask on.

Reports say that Tsui will not attend any public events before his test results are out, his entourage will also be tested.