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PolyU’s School of Nursing strongly supports the Caroline Hill Road Pop-up Community Vaccination Centre Chief Executive and Secretary for the Civil Service visit the Centre today

Vaccination is paramount to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the community demand for vaccination, the Hong Kong SAR Government has established the Caroline Hill Road Pop-up Community Vaccination Centre (PCVC) in Causeway Bay, which commenced operation today (29 March). Located at the site provided by Hysan Development and the Chinachem Group, the PCVC is fully supported by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The University is operating the PCVC in a non-profit-making mode to help the community battle the pandemic.

PolyU startup iMeddy provides free video medical consultation to COVID-19 patients to help fight the pandemic leveraging innovative technology

Amid the severity of the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a startup nurtured by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), known as iMeddy, is providing a free video medical consultation service on its pioneering online healthcare platform to a quota of 3,000 COVID-19 patients. The service is supported by an aggregate donation of HK$800,000 from The Y.Elites Association and the Hong Kong Youth Development Alliance, to help fight the pandemic leveraging innovative technology. The service is being carried out in two phases. The first phase, which is now complete, targeted low-income families, while the upcoming second phase will help the singleton elderly and those living in nursing homes. The initiative aims to provide necessary medical support through video consultation for free to those COVID-19 patients who already have symptoms. This will help share the burden currently faced by the medical system as well as promote the use of innovative technology in the medical field. An online platform for medical and healthcare services, iMeddy collaborates with more than 300 private medical practitioners in Hong Kong. Users can select a doctor, make an appointment and receive a video medical consultation, all conveniently from home. Medicines will also be sent to the users’ homes by delivery service. iMeddy’s platform ensures a more efficient and safer consultation system for private medical practitioners. This can reduce the risk of doctors getting infected during face-to-face consultations and treatment as well as the possibility of spreading the virus while patients are making their way to clinics. iMeddy was founded in 2021 by two PolyU alumni, namely Mr Alex Cheuk Ka-hou (graduate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2019) and Mr Stephen Tsoi Kwok-chun (graduate of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2018). PolyU is committed to nurturing innovation and technology talents who embrace entrepreneurship to create positive impact on industry and society underpinned by the research excellence of the University. The entrepreneurial and caring spirit of the two alumni is highly encouraging. The PolyU Launchpad Fund is a scheme to support the acceleration of technology startups founded by PolyU students, alumni and professors. As one of the startups receiving funding from the scheme this year, iMeddy will further increase the efficiency of its online consultation platform and expand its development in the Greater Bay Area.   ***END***

Research reveals over 40% of COVID-19 survivors still suffer from fatigue syndrome after one year; PolyU develops “Rehab 8 Forms” programme to aid post-COVID recovery

After two years of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that while most people who have developed COVID-19 will fully recover, some may experience a variety of post-COVID symptoms months after their recovery, including breathlessness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and more, with these mid- to long-term effects being collectively known as “long COVID.” Funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) of the Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR Government in 2020, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU) research team from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences conducted prospective research to assess the physical fitness, psychosocial functions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COVID-19 patients after recovery, as well as assessing their changes in the “3Rs”, namely “Rebuild fitness”, “Regain confidence” and “Resume normal life”. Commencing their research in October 2020, the research team followed up with the recovery status of COVID-19 patients referred from five local hospitals in the 6th and 12th months after diagnosis. Researchers evaluated their cardiorespiratory function, physical fitness, fatigue level and quality of life by leveraging face-to-face meetings and online means, making use of specific assessment tests. The research team found that more than 40% of the 118 COVID-19 survivors who participated in the research were still suffering from the symptoms of “long COVID” including fatigue and lower limb muscle weakness, 6 and 12 months after diagnosis from COVID-19, posing a negative impact to their daily life. Below are the key findings: 6 months after diagnosis: about 42% experienced fatigue syndrome; 12 months after diagnosis: about 43% still experienced fatigue syndrome; No significant changes in Fatigue Score in the 6th and 12th months post COVID diagnosis (i.e. no improvement over time); The fatigue level of the assessed subjects was related to lung capacity and lower limb strength; Fatigue syndrome exists in adults, as well as in elderlies; 50% of the female assessed subjects experienced fatigue syndrome, while only 30% of the male assessed subjects had the same syndrome. Professor Amy Fu, Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU, who led the research, said, “Most COVID-19 survivors think they have recovered from the illness and do not pay attention to the fatigue symptoms, or think the symptoms will be alleviated over time. It is only after conducting various assessments that they realised that their fatigue symptoms were related to insufficient cardiopulmonary function and weak lower limb muscles. With appropriate rehabilitation programmes in place, their condition can be reversed.” 3R Rehabilitation Programme To help COVID-19 survivors regain their health, a PolyU research team has developed a 6-week physical training programme. Under the guidance of PolyU physiotherapists, survivors will undergo two training sessions (60 mins each) and three home exercise sessions (30 mins each) to improve their lung capacity and muscle strength through different forms of fitness exercise. Upon completion of the 6-week training, the study indicates that the lung capacity and lower limb strength of the majority of the 24 participants improved, and their fatigue level also improved. Below are the key findings: About 70% of the survivors showed improvement in their lung capacity; More than 60% of the survivors showed improvement in their lower limb strength; Among those who were suffering from fatigue syndrome, three quarters have returned to normal The physical training programme features “Rehab 8 Forms” designed by a PolyU research team. It consists of eight different movements to train various muscle groups and improve cardiorespiratory and muscle performance. Dr Arnold Wong, Associate Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU, said, “the ‘Rehab 8 Forms’ is an easy-to-follow exercise; each set will take about 8 to 10 minutes to complete. One can make adjustments to the pace and progress according to their own physical condition, in order to gradually improve their fitness, so as to achieve the 3R objectives – Rebuild fitness, Regain confidence and Resume normal life.” Dr Wong added that both COVID-19 survivors and those who are spending more time at home due to the pandemic can practice “Rehab 8 Forms” to maintain their wellbeing. To watch the video of “Rehab 8 Forms”, please visit: https://youtu.be/oXJ2PLA926k To find out more about the research project, please contact the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at (852) 4623 3790 / 5598 4562.   ***END***

PolyU researchers join frontline forces to fight the pandemic with their expertise

Secretary for Food and Health visits PolyU’s new support centre for the Hospital Authority’s COVID-19 hotline

PolyU alumni and students on the Mainland give back to their alma mater by donating supplies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic

PolyU stands together with the Hong Kong community in collaborative efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic

Hong Kong is battling an unprecedented wave of the novel coronavirus epidemic. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to supporting the Government’s efforts on various fronts in the fight against the pandemic. Over 700 PolyU students, alumni and staff have signed up to support community vaccination and testing programmes and provide assistance to different groups in need. They are part of PolyU’s collaborative efforts with the community in support of the Government’s anti-pandemic measures. Supporting elderly care homes and senior citizens has become paramount given the Omicron variant’s threat in the fifth wave outbreak. PolyU’s School of Nursing is teaming up with a number of local and Mainland China donors to provide more than 200 nursing homes with supplies, including 44,000 rapid antigen test kits, 200,000 sets of personal protective equipment (including face shields and N95 respirators), and 100 pulse oximeters. These enthusiastic donors and partners include the Zhongnanshan Medical Foundation of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Hecin Scientific, Teochew International Federation and the Federation of Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community Organizations, Peking University Alumni Association Shenzhen Branch, Koch Biotechnology (Beijing), Guangdong Biolight Meditech, and Wuhan Tianhe Ruiyuan Technology. The distribution of the supplies has been rolled out in phases to address the needs of the elderly and nursing home staff and help safeguard their health. Professor David SHUM, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, said, “PolyU has been closely working together with the Hong Kong community in the fight against COVID-19. For the past two years of the pandemic, we have been relentlessly supporting the authorities in their contact tracing efforts, and applying our research and innovation capabilities to support frontline healthcare workers and the general public. PolyU will continue to draw on its expertise from various fields and make new contributions to the Government’s anti-pandemic efforts.”   ***END***

PolyU develops novel anti-virus 3D printing material that terminates over 90% of COVID-19 in 10 minutes

With the Omicron variant making its way into the local community, the Government announced tightening COVID-19 measures to contain the epidemic. The public should stay vigilant to maintain good personal hygiene at all times to strengthen individual defence against the pandemic. At present, some public facilities such as doorknobs in public toilets and lift buttons have poor cleanliness, and can become breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria, thus posing a threat to public health. An interdisciplinary research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully developed the world's first “anti-virus 3D printing material” (material) that can kill the COVID-19 virus on surfaces as well as most common viruses and bacteria. The main component of the material is resin, added with anti-viral agents such as cationic compounds, to pierce the cell membrane of the virus and destroy its structure to kill the virus and bacteria. Dr. Kwan Yu Chris LO, Associate Professor of PolyU's Institute of Textiles and Clothing, who led the research team, said that laboratory tests confirmed the material can kill 70% of the COVID-19 virus and other viruses/bacteria surviving on a surface within two minutes; eliminate over 90% of viruses within 10 minutes; and terminate almost all viruses and bacteria on a surface in 20 minutes. Dr. Lo said, “This material is a resin material with high anti-virus performance. Using 3D printing technology, it can be produced in different forms catering to different needs. It is therefore highly flexible and can be used extensively in public facilities to provide epidemic prevention support to the community.” The team has already applied patent of this technology and application, and will use it for commercial purposes in future. In the past year, with the support of the laboratory of PolyU’s University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP), the research team has collaborated with the Home Affairs Department, the Hong Kong Wetland Park and an environmental organisation to produce recycling bin handles, toilet doorknob covers, lift buttons, braille boards and more, in order to conduct further tests and trials of the effectiveness and durability of the material in killing viruses. Prof. Chi-wai KAN, a member of the research team and Professor of PolyU’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing said, “Even after use for a year, not only is the handle on the recycling bin still in good condition, no COVID-19 virus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are detected on the handle’s surface. This proves that the efficacy rate of the material only diminishes gradually after three years of use, and is effective in fighting against viruses and bacteria. Since the material kills viruses via physical means, it can still exert the same effect on mutant viruses.” Prof. Kan added that because the disinfection components of the material are embedded in the products rather than coated on the surface, daily cleaning with disinfectants such as bleach does not compromise its anti-virus performance. The research team will also collaborate with the Sham Shui Po District Office to produce doorknob protective covers for over 100 unmanaged “Three-Nil” buildings in the district and install these covers on doors frequently used by residents, so as to reduce the risk of virus transmission in buildings. The team hopes to apply the material to primary and secondary schools, healthcare facilities, and public transportation systems.   *** END ***

PolyU strengthens community COVID-19 prevention and rehabilitation with Health and Medical Research Fund studies

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received HK$55.9 million in funding from the government’s Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) for new studies that aim to better prepare Hong Kong for the recovery stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-disciplinary studies range from exploring a new holistic approach in preventing infection and enhancing recovery, to developing more effective strategies in strengthening community-level protection against the coronavirus, especially for vulnerable groups. The studies will engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders in the community. The new studies follow the previous round of HMRF backed COVID-19 research conducted by PolyU, several of which have yielded impactful outputs that have contributed to better informed public health measures and responses, while other ongoing studies are making good progress. Professor Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said the dedication of PolyU’s researchers has led to substantial research output on COVID-19, particularly in areas like rapid diagnostics, transmission tracing, and outbreak trend forecasting. The University is grateful to the Food and Health Bureau for supporting and approving PolyU’s research efforts. “We are also honoured to be invited by the Bureau again this year to submit COVID-19 research proposals. This gives PolyU the opportunity to leverage our multi-disciplinary research strength, especially in the areas of social sciences, health, and nursing, to support the government’s anti-pandemic efforts,” Professor Wong said. Among the findings of the previous round of HMRF financed studies conducted by PolyU, Professor Elsie YAN Chau-wai, Associate Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences, examined public compliance with disease prevention measures to control COVID-19 using a two-wave 6-month longitudinal study. The study shed light on the reception of vaccines among different population segments and the findings were published in the internationally renowned journal Vaccines. In addition, the rapid whole-genome sequencing technique developed by Dr Gilman SIU Kit-hang, Associate Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has played an important role in identifying and stopping transmission chains in Hong Kong, including those of variant strains. Professor David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, said these HMRF backed studies demonstrate PolyU’s strength in producing research that addresses societal challenges and creates a positive impact, particularly with respect to anti-pandemic efforts in the community. “The new studies supported by HMRF in its latest round of funding underscore the Fund’s approval of PolyU’s research capability,” Professor Shum said. “The novel coronavirus pandemic might have stabilized, but it is far from finished. There are new variants that continue to pose new threats, prevention is still a priority area that we need to work on; while the growing number of COVID-19 survivors also calls for better understanding of and strategies for their long-term rehabilitation needs.” In the third and latest round of HMRF COVID-19 studies announced this month by the government’s Food and Health Bureau and the Research Council, PolyU’s large multi-disciplinary research studies led by Professor Alex MOLASIOTIS, Chair Professor of Nursing and Head of School of Nursing, were granted HK$27.6 million. The studies will explore “a community-based participatory research approach to reduce the COVID-19 risk in Hong Kong: developing and testing social and behavioural interventions”. Another set of large multi-disciplinary research studies led by Professor David MAN, Associate Head of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, were awarded HK$28.3 million. The studies will explore “the Prevention-Protection-Promotion approach as a novel and effective strategy to prevent infection and enhance recovery in individuals with COVID-19”. These research studies will address comprehensive follow-up of novel coronavirus survivors and their caregivers’ physical and mental wellness and long-term health issues; social and behavioural interventions to reduce the spread of infection; and the development of novel and effective strategies to enhance recovery and implementation models to prevent such infection. PolyU welcomes public participation in the two new studies and interested community members and groups can contact the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences on telephone numbers 3400 3184 or 3400 3973, or by sending an email to fhss.community@polyu.edu.hk.   ***End***

PolyU’s research finds contact tracing is an effective way for controlling the spread of COVID-19 when borders reopen

As some countries in the world begin to consider adjusting their pandemic control strategy from “zero COVID” to “living with COVID”, a research study by the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has found that contact tracing is as vital as social distancing measures and vaccination in controlling the spread of COVID-19 when borders reopen. The research team has also developed a mobile app with a contact tracing feature, designed for use by inbound travellers, that would help fight the pandemic in this respect.