- Three athletes led by the coach have already confirmed infection and remain in hospital treatment
- Fourth athlete released from quarantine centre after completing isolation
A karate coach became the latest victim of coronavirus after returning to Hong Kong from a training camp in Europe.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) said in a statement on Monday that one of their karatedo coaches had tested Covid-19 positive but without giving his name, saying he is not a public figure like the athletes. However, it is believed he is Frenchman Rida Bel-Lahsen, one of their kumite coaches.
"The coach led four athletes for a training camp in France earlier and returned to Hong Kong on March 16," the statement said. "Three of the athletes " Lee Chun-ho, Tsang Yee-ting and Chau Ka-him have tested positive. The HKSI wish speedy recovery for the three athletes and the coach."
Second Hong Kong karate athlete tests positive for Covid-19
On March 18, Lee, who is bidding for an Olympic spot in Tokyo, became the first Hong Kong athlete to test positive for coronavirus following his return from Europe. Compatriots Tsang and Chau followed suit soon after. However, the karate coach remained in a healthy condition under self-quarantine, according to a Sports Institute spokesman and it was not until the Institute tested the karate coach last week that Bel-Kahsen tested positive.
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A fourth member of the team was taken to a quarantine centre by the Health Department and his virus test was negative. The athlete has also completed the quarantine period and left the centre on Monday, according to the Sports Institute.
Since the first case came to light, the Sports Institute had conducted deep cleaning and disinfection exercises of their premises in Fo Tan. It is believed the karate athletes had visited a number of the areas in the Institute after their return including their rooms at the athletes' hostel, canteen and gymnasium.
The Institute locked down the entire facility for two weeks from last Wednesday.
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