More untraceable infections emerge as Hong Kong records eight new Covid-19 cases, health minister urges vigilance against fourth wave

‘Large-scale community infection’ could be triggered at any moment, minister warns, as social-distancing restrictions to remain in place for now

One new untraceable case involves local man who attended Mid-Autumn Festival gathering with 16 family members, all of whom are now in quarantine

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From Friday, ice hockey will be the latest team sport once again allowed at public venues after a long shutdown due to Covid-19. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Published: 12:23pm, 6 Oct 2020Updated: 8:38am, 7 Oct 2020

Hong Kong’s predicted fourth Covid-19 wave could come even earlier than expected if social-distancing measures are not strictly adhered to, the city’s health minister has cautioned, pointing to an increase in untraceable local infections over the past week.

The city’s chief executive also said rules on social gatherings must remain in force, as eight new coronavirus cases were logged on Tuesday. The latest infections pushed the city’s total to 5,132 cases and 105 related deaths.

A man who attended a Mid-Autumn Festival gathering with 16 family members was among three new untraceable local infections reported.

The decision to keep the restrictions in place came after the number of Covid-19 infections among the Thai community grew and the government sought help from its consulate for tests.

“If we don’t stay vigilant, practise protective measures and maintain good hygiene, the chance of a rebound of the epidemic will be very high. A large-scale community infection could also be triggered at any moment,” Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee said at an afternoon press conference.

“As the new strain of the virus is more transmissible, the epidemic could deteriorate rapidly within a short period of time. The fourth wave, which we have been preparing for, could occur earlier,” she added.