Advertisement
Coronavirus: cluster at Hong Kong dance clubs balloons to 80 cases after warning of ‘super-spreader’ event
- Authorities confirm 46 more infections tied to the venues which are spread out across the city
- The outbreak is the second-largest since one involving bars in March
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
A coronavirus cluster centred on Hong Kong dance clubs has mushroomed into the second-largest outbreak of the pandemic after another 46 people linked to the venues were confirmed as infected, taking the total to 80.
The carriers were among 68 new cases confirmed on Sunday, the highest daily figure in about three months. More than 50 people have also tested preliminary positive.
Authorities had earlier warned of a “super-spreading” event linked to the 14 dance clubs located across the city, including the Wan Chai Starlight Dance Club, Heavenly Dance in Sheung Wan and Dance Culture in Causeway Bay.
Advertisement
The cluster has prompted the government to require mandatory testing for the first time since the health crisis began. Anyone who has visited the clubs since the start of the month must undergo screening, either at public clinics for free or private ones, and submit the results to health officials by November 24. Failure to comply will lead to a HK$2,000 (US$257) fine.
Advertisement
The outbreak is the most severe one since a cluster involving several bars and musicians that began in March and ultimately involved 103 people.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x