Local Covid-19 Case Feared As Woman Tests Positive

Sources told RTHK on Tuesday that a 66-year-old woman with no recent travel history has tested positive for Covid-19 – in what would be Hong Kong’s first locally-contracted case of the disease in 23 days.

It’s understood that health authorities are waiting for results of a confirmatory test, but the patient will be admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment.

Hong Kong has only recently started scaling back anti-epidemic measures – with most government staff only going back to the office at the beginning of this month, after a long spell of working from home.

A gathering ban was relaxed to allow groups of up to eight people to get together just last Friday – double the previous limit – while some previously-shut businesses like bars, cinemas and gyms have been allowed to reopen their doors.

However, karaoke parlours, saunas, party rooms and nightclubs remain closed for now.

Health authorities have been confirming a handful of ‘imported’ coronavirus cases over the past month – all involving patients who are believed to have contracted the illness overseas.

A local infection with an unknown source would be significant because it suggests that the virus is being spread in the community, and could lead to a full-on outbreak.

The Centre for Health Protection had earlier said no new cases were reported here up to 4pm on Tuesday, with the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases remaining at 1,047, including four fatalities.