HONG KONG - Hong Kong reported three new COVID-19 infections on Friday, the lowest daily increase since the third wave of the outbreak in July, bringing the city’s infection tally to 4,996.

It is the lowest daily increase since the third wave of the outbreak in July, bringing the city’s infection tally to 4,996

Two of the three cases were locally transmitted. The two women, aged 24 and 55 respectively, were family members of two previously confirmed patients, according to the Centre for Health Protection.

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The third case involved a 51-year-old who returned to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom on Sept 5.

An 81-year-old man who died on Thursday night became the city’s 103rd coronavirus-related fatality. The patient, who had a history of chronic illness, was hospitalized on Aug 19 and his condition deteriorated due to bacterial pneumonia on Thursday.

Despite the outbreak showing signs of abating, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee warned that a fourth wave of infections in winter is likely to hit the financial hub harder. The government will optimize its anti-epidemic work before the new outbreak begins, Chan said at a press briefing on Friday afternoon.

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She said the government will launch regular virus testing for high-risk groups, as well as workers at wet markets and in the transport sector, and those working at container terminal and slaughterhouses.

But she ruled out a drastic relaxation of existing social distancing measures.

She said another 1,000 beds will be added to the treatment facility at the AsiaWorld-Expo within weeks. A two-storied temporary hospital with more than 800 beds near the venue will also be completed in about four months.  

A spokesperson for the Centre for Health Protection, meanwhile, called on members of the public to maintain personal hygiene and social distancing, as well as to avoid non-essential travel, as there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world.

The city's iconic theme park Ocean Park reopened on Friday after being temporarily closed again for more than two months due to the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak.

More entertainment venues also reopened on Friday, including bars and, karaoke lounges. Restrictions on restaurants have been eased.

There are currently 167 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, with 13 in critical condition. 

With Xinhua inputs