Hong Kong Records Another 18 Coronavirus Cases

Hong Kong reported 18 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, with all but two thought to be locally-acquired infections.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed that of the 16 local cases, 11 are linked to previous cases, and include two women – a 27-year-old worker and 43-year-old resident – from the Hong Chi Lei Muk Shue Hostel, which was at the centre of a small outbreak last week.

Health authorities said the source of infection in five of the local cases remains unknown. They include a part-time nurse at a clinic, a government engineer and a domestic helper.

The CHP's Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan said an initial investigation found that the Indonesian migrant worker was not in close contact with her friends often.

Chuang said the helper lives with her employer, an elderly woman, in Kwai Chung, where a neighbour of theirs came down with coronavirus recently.

"They were a bit worried and moved to their relative’s place in Tsuen Wan. That’s why they have more than one close contact. But the source of infection is still unknown because they didn’t have contact with the neighbour," Chuang said.

Chuang also said there are around 10 preliminary positive cases.

Answering a question about the initial response to the universal testing scheme, Chuang said it's a "good start" that many people have already registered for the universal community testing scheme, adding that she thinks it could help break the chain of transmission.

Over 100,000 people had registered by noon after registration started on Saturday morning and for specimen collection is to start from Tuesday.

Meanwhile, hospital officials have confirmed that three more Covid-19 patients have passed away, bringing Hong Kong's coronavirus-related death toll to 87.

The Prince of Wales Hospital said two of their patients – a 63-year-old man and a 98-year-old woman – died on Friday night and Saturday afternoon respectively. Both suffered from chronic diseases.

Later on Saturday evening, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital confirmed that a 70-year-old male patient died at 7:30pm.

The total number of coronavirus infections recorded in the city stands at 4,786 as of Saturday.

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