Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported 85 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, taking its total tally to 8,237.
The new confirmed cases included 78 local infections, with 27 cases of unknown origin, Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the CHP's Communicable Disease Branch, told a press briefing. There were also over 50 preliminary cases.
According to Hong Kong's Hospital Authority, 72 percent of the negative pressure beds have been utilized so far. Currently, 1,082 COVID-19 patients are being treated in public hospitals and the community treatment facility at AsiaWorld-Expo, and a total of 63 patients are in critical condition.
The government extended the remote-working arrangement for civil servants to Jan. 6, and schools and kindergartens continued to suspend classes till Jan. 10.
Besides, the police have escorted back the COVID-19 patient who fled away from a hospital on December 18. The hospital wards have enhanced patient management and surveillance, and security has also been enhanced with extra patrols deployed.
