Covid Cases Rise 'despite Overall Downward Trend'

Health officials reported 24 new Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong on Wednesday, all of which were locally-acquired infections.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said it was unable to trace the source of infections for 10 patients, whereas 14 were linked to previous cases.

The CHP's Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan said of those linked to previous cases, seven are linked to the Hong Chi Lei Muk Shue Hostel for people with intellectual disabilities, where a small outbreak was reported on Sunday.

A staff member and a resident were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Wednesday, after five residents were listed as preliminary positive the day before.

The total number of cases in the cluster has risen to 10.

Chuang added that the other confirmed cases on Wednesday came from all walks of life and included a private chauffeur, security guard, restaurant staff, and a customs officer.

The total number of infections has been rising this week, from nine on Monday – the first time it hit single-digits since early July – and 19 on Tuesday.

When asked if it was still appropriate for the government to go ahead with easing some social-distancing measures on Friday given the steady increase in cases, Chuang said that although the daily tally fluctuates, there is still an overall downward trend.

But she also pointed out that there were still a lot of cases with an unknown source of transmission, indicating silent transmission in the community.

"Due to the... practical reasons for the community, we can't restrict the social-distancing measures forever. That's why the government is relaxing bit by bit, cautiously... not to further increase the risk, so people still have to adopt personal protection measures," Chuang said.