Hong Kong has reported 19 new coronavirus patients today. Among them, the source of infection of eight locals is unknown.

The Centre for Health Protection announced there are three imported cases and 16 locally-infected. Eight locally infected people are family members of confirmed patients.

Chuang Shuk-kwan, Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the Centre for Health Protection, said 7,000 sample links to Kwai Tsing container port cluster have been tested and no new patients had been found.

Chuang added there are also 20 initially positive cases today.

Six initially positive patients are from Hong Chi Lei Muk Shue Hostel in Kwai Ching. They include five residents and one staff member.

A 46-year-old non-emergency ambulance transfer service assistant hasinitially tested positive for the coronavirus. She lives in an estate with confirmed patients. The last time she went to work was last Friday. She sought medical help at Yan Chai Hospital and got tested yesterday.

Three of her colleagues who had meals with her are listed as close contacts. The Hospital Authority said she did not have any close contact with any virus patients at work.

Another patient involves a 60-year-old operation assistant from the Princess Margaret Hospital.

The last time she went to work at the hospital was last Saturday, and she sought medical help from the accident and emergency service when she fell ill on that day. Two accident and emergency service medical staff are listed as close contacts and have to quarantine.

The Hospital Authority said medical staff at the hospital had worn appropriate protective gear at the time, and no patients from Princess Margaret Hospital are listed as close contacts.

Hong Kong confirms 19 more patients, source of eight infections unknown