Hong Kong reports 4,318 new COVID-19 cases

HONG KONG Hong Kong's daily COVID 19 caseload surpassed the 4,000 mark on Thursday when the health authorities also registered six related deaths.

Of the 4,318 new infections, 3,993 were locally transmitted and 325 imported cases, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said in a statement.

Total 1,075 of the locally acquired cases were diagnosed by nucleic acid tests, while rest 2,918 were diagnosed by rapid antigen tests.

In a separate statement, the Hospital Authority said 1,669 COVID 19 patients received medical care at public hospitals, including 210 new admissions.

17 of the COVID patients were in serious serious condition and 38 in critical condition, which included 15 under intensive care, said the HA.

The death of six people brought the city's death toll to 9,987 during the fifth wave, the health authorities said.

A government spokesman said that Tommy Yuen, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, has tested COVID-positive through a rapid antigen test.

Yuen went to work on Sept 30 despite being currently in isolation and with no recent travel history. The spokesman said he wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work, including performing an RAT daily.