Covid Figures Drop, But More Unlinked Cases Emerge

Hong Kong reported 77 new local coronavirus cases on Sunday, among them 15 were untraceable.

The Centre for Health Protection’s Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan said the patients who were infected by unknown sources live in various districts, including Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Kwai Ching, Tai Wo Hau, Shatin, Tai Po, To Kwa Wan, Tung Chung and Kwun Tong.

Chuang said 62 of the new local infections were linked to the Kwai Chung Estate cluster, and were all identified either at the quarantine camp or in hospital.

She said investigations had been conducted at several blocks located in Kwun Tong, Shek Yam, and Tsing Yi where vertical transmission may have occurred, and some residents had to be sent into quarantine.

She said although the overall number of cases seemed to be dropping, the proportion of unlinked cases had gone up, and any transmission chains of the Omicron or Delta variants could only be picked up when some of those infected sought treatment.

Chuang noted some of the new patients were infected at family gatherings, as she urged people to be careful during the Lunar New Year holiday.

“For the coming Lunar New Year, I understand many families would like to gather together, sharing meals or enjoy the festival. I would like to alert that be careful especially if there are elderly involved or who have not yet vaccinated. If they get infected, there may be some complications."

Chuang said there are so far more than 70 preliminary positive cases.

Four imported cases were recorded for the day.