COVID-19 infections are on the rise in Hong Kong and affecting more people under the age of 50, health authorities reported.
Hong Kong health authorities announced 78 new COVID-19 cases on Dec. 7. The new confirmed cases included 71 local infections, with 29 cases of unknown origin.
As of Dec. 7, there are currently 1,122 patients being treated at local hospitals, of which 36 are in critical condition.
Health authorities also reported that since Nov. 1, there has been a growing number of patients under the age of 50 in critical condition. They said that larger amounts of the virus have been found in patients who are in critical condition, and they have slower antibody responses.
Since the latest surge of COVID-19 infections started last month, more clusters have appeared in different areas. In the past two days, a government-subsidized housing community in Kwai Shing West Estate in West Kowloon reported 12 cases that were found in five households.
In recent days, more than 100 infection cases were reported daily and found in various places such as dance halls, construction sites, nursing homes, and public housing, according to public records.
The Hong Kong government announced new measures on Dec. 8 to curb the spread of the virus. Entertainment venues such as karaoke bars have been ordered to close; dining in restaurants would be banned after 6 p.m. and no more than two people can sit at the same table; and public gatherings of more than two people are not allowed.
While mandatory testing is required for high-risk groups, the local authorities arranged for additional testing centers.
There has been a total of 6,975 people infected with COVID-19 since the virus began to spread in the city in March this year.
