HK Philharmonic member tests preliminary positive for COVID-19, CE’s exposure to virus feared

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A photo of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's performance. (Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra/Facebook)

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) said Tuesday one of its musicians tested preliminary positive for COVID-19.

The HK Phil, in a statement on its website, said it has informed the Centre for Health Protection and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre about the situation.

A report from The Art Venue Performing Arts Magazine’s Facebook page said the infected individual is a woodwind player, and that over 100 members will be quarantined.

The HK Phil, in its statement, said members of the orchestra as well as backstage staff will be quarantined and tested for COVID-19.

Its offices will be closed and disinfected in the following days. Orchestral performances on Oct. 16, 17, 23, and 24 will be canceled.

The orchestra last performed on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10. Multiple reports cite Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s presence in the concert in the Cultural Centre last Friday.

Lam left on Monday afternoon for Shenzhen, for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a speech at the event.