Hong Kong fourth wave: half of city’s 77 new cases are from coronavirus-hit district Yau Tsim Mong

Of Wednesday’s new infections, 39 hail from the virus-stricken Yau Tsim Mong that is subject to widespread mandatory testing

A further 60 people across Hong Kong test preliminary-positive for the coronavirus, as officials issue new compulsory-testing orders

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Communities in Yau Tsim Mong are being blighted by a rush of new Covid-19 cases. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Published: 2:56pm, 20 Jan 2021Updated: 11:56pm, 20 Jan 2021

Hong Kong recorded 77 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, about half from Yau Tsim Mong district where a tough testing regime has been deployed to contain a worsening outbreak.

At least 39 of the latest infections involved residents from the coronavirus-stricken district, 20 of which were detected in one of the areas designated for mandatory testing.

More than 60 other people have tested preliminary-positive and await their results, including four who live in a new compulsory-testing zone in Sham Shui Po.

Stricter testing measures have been expanded to cover an area of Sham Shui Po. Photo: Roy Issa

Asked why there was a spike in Yau Tsim Mong district, Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, of the Centre for Health Protection, said the placement of pipes, drainage and shared facilities in the subdivided flats that were common in the area might have facilitated transmission.

“Even though they have separate toilets and kitchens, the pipes and drainage may be connected ... it may also be related to shared corridors or stairs. It’s possible the infection may have spread this way,” she said.