Coronavirus | HK confirmed seven new cases with one locally transmitted infection

Hong Kong reported seven new Covid-19 cases today (Oct.16), of which only one is a locally-transmitted case.

Dr. Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre for Health Protection said the locally-transmitted case today is of unknown sources.

The patient with unidentifiable sources is a 28-year-old male social worker in Lei Cheng Uk House, a halfway house provided for discharged mental patients by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. The house had since closed down for disinfection, suspending visits for 14 days.

The patient is responsible for counseling work, and nearly 40 dormitory persons need to come to his office for counseling. He last worked on October 12. On the same day, he had a meal with friends in Café de Coral, Sha Tin New Town Plaza. These eight residents will be listed as close contacts and sent to the quarantine center for isolation.

The patient and his family lived in Tseung Kwan O. During his infectious period. He has been to Kornhill Community Church in To Kwa Wan on October 11. He had lunch with three friends at Madam Hong Restaurant.

Chuang said close contacts, including the people who cycled and dined with him, will be put under quarantine. They will also arrange virus tests for the church and house staff, and residents of the house.

The other six patients confirmed are imported cases, including a 37-year-old woman from Malta, a 19-year-old girl from Nepal and four from India.