[ad_1]
HONG KONG (REUTERS) – Hong Kong reported 73 new coronavirus cases on Monday (November 23) as the government warned that the epidemic in the densely populated city is rapidly worsening, and silent transmission chains are feared amid a surge in asymptomatic infections.
So far, the Chinese-ruled city has managed to avoid the widespread outbreak of the disease seen in many major cities around the world, with daily numbers mostly in the single or double digits in recent weeks.
Many of the most recent cases are related to dance clubs, and the government has asked residents of affected areas to undergo a Covid-19 test to help contain the outbreak. Mobile test stations have been established in various districts.
“The local epidemic situation is rapidly deteriorating,” the government said in a statement. “Some of the confirmed cases are asymptomatic and this has indicated the existence of many silent chains of transmission in the community.”
The jump in cases has caused a travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore, which should have been launched on Sunday, to be postponed for two weeks.
Hong Kong has recorded 5,702 Covid-19 cases and 108 deaths since the pandemic began.
The government began easing restrictions on restaurants, sports facilities and theme parks in September after a massive testing program organized by the Chinese government.
[ad_2]
