HK Logs More Than 27,000 New Covid Cases

Health authorities on Saturday reported 27,647 new Covid-19 cases, as officials tightened rules for the registration of rapid test results in hopes of getting a more accurate picture of the latest epidemic situation.

Of the new cases, 15,789 were confirmed through PCR tests, while 11,858 were positive test results reported through the government’s online platform.

All but one of the patients were infected locally.

Officials also reported that 198 Covid patients passed away in the past 24 hours. Only 21 of them had received two doses of vaccine.

And an additional 87 deaths were recorded for the period between March 7 and 10.

The Centre for Health Protection said from Monday onwards, people who register their positive rapid test results will have a deadline to complete their applications.

“The aim of rolling out the [rapid test result] registration platform is for citizens to report their positive results to us as soon as possible, so that we can take public health measures quickly, including issuing quarantine and isolation orders,” explained the centre's Albert Au.

Au said a link sent via SMS to those with positive rapid test results will only be valid for 24 hours.

They will need to upload the necessary documents to complete the registration, and those who miss the deadline will not be able to get isolation or quarantine orders issued by Department of Health.

“We want to get a good grip on the latest situation of the outbreak,” said Au.

“People need to inform us so that our system can record their information, because this will affect their vaccination and vaccine pass arrangements,” he added.

“We hope citizens will cooperate.”