Covid Situation In HK May Be Worsening: CHP

Health officials said on Thursday that the Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong may be worsening, as they reported 12 new coronavirus infections and around 20 preliminary positive cases.

Among the latest confirmed cases, four are locally acquired infections and two are without a known source.

Dr Wong Ka-hing, the controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), said if all the preliminary cases are confirmed and there are more cases without a clear source, it will mean that the silent chain of transmission in the community is continuing. The situation could worsen abruptly, he added.

One of the patients without a known source of infection is a 75-year-old businesswoman who went to the Starlight Dance Club on Lockhart Road in Wan Chai on Saturday.

Officials said at least five other people, who have tested preliminary positive, had also been there recently.

The CHP's Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan warned there might have been an outbreak at the dance studio.

“We are still investigating the individual cases. According to our preliminary information, many of them went to the club on November 14, so we suspect there may be an outbreak on that day, but we cannot exclude other days.”

Chuang said some of the suspected Covid patients went to the venue quite frequently.

She said dance instructors and students dance in pairs at the studio, adding that the authorities are trying to find out whether live music has been played at the venue.

She said two dance instructors also taught students at another venue, HeavenlyDance in Sheung Wan.

Chuang urged anyone who went to the Starlight Dance Club on November 14 to contact the CHP so they can be tested for the virus.

Another new case without a clear source of infection is a 65-year-old retired woman who lives in Tai Kok Tsui with her family. She developed symptoms on Saturday and went to a private doctor two days later.

Other people who tested preliminary positive include a 73-year-old Tuen Mun man and a 37-year-old relative of his who has special needs.

A 27-year-old construction worker who lives in Ho Man Tin Estate and works at a site in Yuen Long has also tested preliminary positive. Officials said they were sending 12 people who worked with the man to a quarantine centre.