HK reports daily record of 108 new infections

Hong Kong reported more than 100 new coronavirus infections yesterday, reaching a record as the government plans to extend mandatory wearing of masks to more public spaces. Social-distancing measures including restaurant restrictions and gym closures will remain in place for another week, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a press conference yesterday. The government is also planning to require that masks be worn in indoor areas beyond public transport. Civil servants will be working from home starting today, and the government will only offer necessary and emergency services, Lam said. The Department of Health said in a separate press conference that the city had 108 new virus cases Sunday, 25 of those involving people who had traveled abroad. Some 48 of the 83 new local cases had an unknown origin. “The situation is really severe and there is no sign that it is under control,” Lam said. “To combat the pandemic, I hereby urge citizens to be patient in order to contain this.”

Macau patient number 46 recovers

The city’s 46th Covid-19 patient, a male Macau resident of Philippines nationality, has recovered and has been transferred from the public hospital to the Public Health Clinical Center in Coloane for recovery quarantine. As with the arrival quarantine, this period will last 14 days. The 57-year-old has diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Before returning to Macau on June 25, he stayed in the Philippines for several months. Upon arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport, he took the special ferry to the Taipa Maritime Terminal. He was sent to a designated hotel for arrival quarantine, where he tested positive for Covid-19. After being hospitalized for 22 days, the man was declared recovered on July 17 with two negative tests on July 14 and 16.