'Highest Number of Confirmed Cases in a Month' Hong Kong Strengthens COVID-19 Quarantine Measures

Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The Hong Kong government is strengthening its COVID-19 prevention measures as the number of new confirmed cases has reached the highest in a month.

According to Bloomberg on the 19th (local time), Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, stated during a weekly briefing that the number of new confirmed cases on the 18th was 107, the highest in a month. Accordingly, she explained that the social distancing period will be extended, mandatory testing and local restrictions will be expanded, and the authorities will announce additional prevention measures later that afternoon.

However, Chief Executive Lam emphasized that Hong Kong's pandemic situation has not worsened. She noted that the increase in confirmed cases on the 18th also reflected the impact of the authorities introducing a new COVID-19 testing method.

Lam said, "There is no need to be confused," and added, "More efforts are needed for COVID-19 diagnostic testing."