Regardless of whether a person can get sick with COVID-19 more than once, the public should continue following health standards: handwashing, physical distancing and wearing face masks. Those who recovered from the disease shouldn't assume that they can't get infected again, authorities said Wednesday.
The Department of Health issued the statement in response to a Hong Kong study that claimed to confirm the world's first re-infection. The DOH said it had yet to be verified.
"Until we fully understand what we are up against, everyone should follow the minimum health standards (using face masks, handwashing, and physical distancing). No exceptions," the DOH said.
SEE ALSO: Can COVID-19 Strike Twice? Scientists Say Yes, And It Casts Doubts on Immunity
The Hong Kong study can be reviewed only after it is released in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, the DOH said. "Moreover, data on post-infection immunity are also lacking, according to the World Health Organization."
Kelvin Kai-Wang To, a microbiologist at Hong Kong University's Faculty of Medicine,said his study proved that immunity after COVID-19 infection may nor be lifelong and those who recovered shouldn't assume that they couldn't get infected again.