Officials Cautious Despite Slight Drop In New Cases

Hong Kong reported 80 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, the first time in almost two weeks that the daily number of infections has dropped below triple digits.

Around 50-plus cases were preliminary positive while the source of infections for 24 of the new cases remained unknown.

The Centre for Health Protection’s Chuang Shuk-kwan said it is too early to tell if the number of infections is now going down, saying authorities need a few more days to observe the trend.

She added that society must remain vigilant, noting dozens of new cases were from gatherings, such as extended family members got together for meals.

Meanwhile five more people who’ve attended gatherings organised by the Star Global marketing company have come down with the virus.

The health authorities said some of them had visited the company’s branch at New Mandarin Plaza in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The CHP also apologised for two mistakes it made on Sunday, where two preliminary confirmed cases were later confirmed to be negative.

One of the patients was on the way to AsiaWorld-Expo when she received the news, and she was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for further checks. The other patient concerned was still waiting at home when she received the final confirmation.

Officials said they will evaluate the system to prevent similar mistakes in future.

The authorities said around 150 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus are now awaiting hospitalisation.