Hong Kong reports 9,508 new COVID-19 cases, 20 more deaths

HONG KONG - Hong Kong recorded 9,508 new COVID 19 cases on Monday, while 20 more infected patients passed away, health authorities said.

The Centre for Health Protection said the new cases comprised 8,843 local infections and 665 imported cases. There were 9,487 cases on Sunday.

The CHP said that the city's death brought the city's toll to 10,613 during the current fifth wave of infections.

It said 27 residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities had 55 new cases, up from 39 infections on Sunday.

ALSO READ: HK sees a decrease with 9,487 new cases, 16 deaths.

One thousand schools have reported 2,577 students and 459 staff members getting infected since Friday.

23 in-person classes were suspended for a week due to new cases, while 22 schools suspended 23 in-person classes.

As of Monday, the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch had identified 225 cases of sub-lineage XBB, six of XBD, eight of BA. There were 2, seven of BA. 4.6, 13 of BF. It added that 104 cases of sub-lineage XBB, 18 of XBD, one of BA were included in the case. Four of the BF were BF. 1.1 had also been detected among local cases.

The CHP said that 70.16 percent of new cases verified from Nov 26 to Dec. 2 were linked to the BA. READ MORE: HK COVID caseload crosses 10 k mark again as 13 die.

As of Monday, 411 new patients were treated in public hospitals, including 411 new patients who tested positive for COVID- 19 as of Monday, according to a separate statement by the Hospital Authority.

The HA said 318 patients needed oxygen therapy, while 17 patients needed ventilator support.

Seventy patients were in critical condition, including 21 in intensive care, while 82 were in serious condition, according to the HA.