More Runway Construction Workers Infected With Covid

Health authorities on Sunday confirmed four more coronavirus infections linked to construction sites at the airport's third runway project – a day after ordering mandatory tests for around 3,000 workers.

At least 15 people have come down with Covid-19 in this cluster – including 13 workers and two family members.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre for Health Protection said construction sites are considered high-risk in terms of virus transmission as shipping containers are often used as changing rooms, and sometimes workers can’t wear face masks.

“I think construction site is high risk,” Chuang said. “It's worthwhile to get them tested regularly.”

In all, health authorities confirmed 53 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. Forty-four of the infections were locally acquired, and 17 were untraceable. More than 20 others tested preliminary positive.

Authorities also issued mandatory testing orders for residents living in nine more buildings in Yuen Long, Mong Kok, Hung Hom and Sham Shui Po.

All residents of a public housing block in Tin Shui Wai are also required to get tested after cases were reported from two flats there. Seven family members were infected at one of the flats.

Authorities also reported nine imported cases, including six from Indonesia, two from the Philippines and one from Russia.

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