Risk of infection now 'very high'

Dozens of silent transmission chains have emerged in the community, health authorities say, warning the risk of infection is "very high" as both Omicron and Delta variants are spreading.

Hong Kong recorded 164 cases yesterday - a record high for a single day since the pandemic began two years ago.

Centre for Health Protection controller Edwin Tsui Lok-kin said more than 30 cases were from an unknown source, indicating there could be just as many silent transmission chains.

Tsui said with the highly contagious Omicron and Delta variants spreading, people "could contract the virus anytime."

He added: "We hope people can avoid family gatherings during the Lunar New Year to curb transmissions."

Tsui said the highest single-day number of infections was "within expectations" because of the high transmissibility of Omicron.

Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the center's communicable disease unit, said there were 12 untraceable cases yesterday, including five students.

The students are from Notre Dame College in Ma Tau Wai, Hong Kong Taoist Association Shun Yeung Primary School in Ma On Shan and Man Kwan Pak Kau College in Tin Shui Wai.

Chuang said untraceable cases were found in many districts, including Yee On Court in Ho Man Tin, Tai Wo Hau Estate, Tsz Ching Estate in Tsz Wan Shan, Lok Yuen House in Mong Kok and Hop Shing Mansion in Ma Tau Chung.

Tsui also said the number of new cases at Omicron-hit Kwai Chung Estate has dropped in recent days, adding that health authorities believe the outbreak there is coming to an end.

He said 372 residents have tested positive so far, but the worst-hit Yat Kwai House only recorded six new cases yesterday.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said three blocks locked down in Kwai Chung Estate, with some 2,000 residents each, will be unsealed on schedule.

Yat Kwai House will be opened this morning and Ying Kwai tomorrow morning. Both buildings have been subject to a seven-day lockdown. Ha Kwai House - cordoned off on Monday night for an overnight lockdown that was extended to five more days - will also be unsealed tomorrow morning.

However, vertical transmission was found in another two buildings last night - Nga Kwai House at Kwai Chung Estate and On Kwai House at Kwai Fuk Court, also in Kwai Chung.

All residents living in block 9 in Nga Kwai House and those living in unit 8 from the 12th to 14th floors of On Kwai House were evacuated to Penny's Bay quarantine center.

The New Kwai Fong Gardens Block C in Kwai Fong was also locked down for testing at 8.30pm yesterday after a preliminary positive case was detected.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com, jane.cheung@singtaonewscorp.com