Health Bureau, taking its cue from the mainland, introduces more precautionary tests, aims to conserve precious medical resources.
SSM
All five patients being treated in isolation. Four new cases in Zhuhai discovered in the past week, seven close contacts detected in Macao.
Worst-case scenario envisages entire population joining battle against virus with enforced mass lockdowns and temporary medical facilities built in days.
24-year-old female tested negative but remains in isolation; 22 others who crossed paths with her sent into quarantine.
Authorities stress potential risk of items delivered from mainland which may be contaminated with novel coronavirus.
Residents must not open guestroom doors unless strictly necessary, and must wear a facemask if they do. Another Hong Kong returnee tests positive for Covid-19.
Vaccine, which has been specifically devised for children aged 5-11, will give parents another inoculation option, health chief says.
Vaccination rates among city’s oldest and youngest residents now hovering around 30%, health chief reports.
Health chief urges anyone who should have third inoculation to do so as it swiftly raises Covid-19 antibody levels.