New Covid-19 Cases Remain In Single Digits

The number of new coronavirus cases in Hong Kong stayed in the single digits for a second day, with eight infections reported on Tuesday, six of which are locally acquired.

Officials are unable to trace the source of three cases: a firefighter, a housewife and an eight-year-old girl.

The 53-year-old senior fireman, who works at Kwai Chung Fire Station, developed symptoms including headache, cough and sore throat on February 4.

The Centre for Health Protection said he took over-the-counter medications and continued to go to work for about a week until last Wednesday.

He sought medical treatment at Pok Oi Hospital on Sunday and was subsequently confirmed with Covid-19.

The housewife, 39, developed fever and headache last Tuesday and sought treatment at a general out-patient clinic on Saturday.

The schoolgirl, 8, lives at a public housing estate in Kwai Tsing. She is asymptomatic.

The Centre for Health Protection said three of her neighbours came down with the infection earlier and the virus might have been spread via communal facilities in the building.

There were nine new coronavirus cases the day before, the first time since November that Hong Kong has seen its daily figure drop to single digits.

Still, health officials and medical experts have warned that more cases might emerge after the Lunar New Year break.

The public has been urged to maintain good personal hygiene and social distancing.