Hong Kong Reports Highest Daily Number Of COVID-19 Cases

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Hong Kong authorities reported 351 coronavirus cases on Saturday, the highest number recorded since the pandemic began.

This is adding to the pressure on the government's "dynamic zero-COVID" strategy, at a time when big cities choose to coexist with the virus.

The global financial hub has become one of the most isolated cities in the world, with flights down by about 90 percent due to strict coronavirus-related regulations, and schools, playgrounds, gyms and many other facilities closed. Restaurants close at 6pm local time.

Authorities have extended the work from home plan for civil servants this week. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said plans to distribute antigen swab tests would be provided to 7.5 million residents in the near future.

The health secretary, Sophia Chan, said at a press conference that the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong was worrying and she urged people to stay home, as the number of cases was expected to rise. "quickly" within days of the Lunar New Year holiday.

As of Friday, Hong Kong reported 131 positive cases, compared with 142 on Thursday. The previous daily high was recorded at 164 cases at the end of January.

Overall, Hong Kong has recorded 213 COVID-19 deaths and more than 14,000 cases since early 2020, according to the local government.