Hong Kong Reports 93 New Local Covid Cases

Health authorities have reported 124 new Covid-19 cases, 93 of which are locally transmitted infections.

It’s the third day running that Hong Kong has seen a daily caseload of over 100.

Fifty-three of Tuesday's local cases are linked to previous infections; while 33 are from virus-stricken Kwai Chung Estate.

The Centre for Health Protection’s Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan said the bulk of the new cases come from Yat Kwai House, Ying Kwai House and Ha Kwai House. Infections have also been reported from Yuk Kwai House, Chui Kwai House and Nga Kwai House.

So far, 276 preliminary positive and confirmed Covid infections are linked to Kwai Chung Estate.

After Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced a five-day lockdown for Ha Kwai House, residents of other blocks are concerned that their homes will also need to be locked down.

When asked about this, Chuang said the government will monitor the situation closely.

"As for further lockdown or other measures... we closely observe the situation in other buildings in that estate, and see what is more appropriate to do," she told reporters at a press conference.

Six new local cases, meanwhile, are untraceable.

They include a man who returned from Shanghai earlier this month and lives in Grand Yoho in Yuen Long, as well a man who works as a driver at the Gold Coast Yacht Club and lives in Fanling.

Officials have also been unable to find the source of infection for a woman who works at the Prince of Wales Hospital and lives in Shau Kei Wan, and a man who lives in Tai Po and works at the Ho Man Tin branch of Hang Seng Bank.

Chuang said authorities also suspect that there’s vertical transmission at Glory Court at Tsuen Wan Garden, after two Unit 5 residents living on the upper floors of the block came down with the virus.

Meanwhile, she called on people living in and around Lam Tsuen in Tai Po to get tested for Covid after officials found the virus in sewage samples there.

Chuang also urged Wong Tai Sin residents to get tested as soon as possible, after two customers and a member of staff at a salon in the district came down with the virus; and a number of infections were reported in the area.

Tuesday also saw more than 70 new preliminary positive cases.

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