People wearing face masks as a preventative measure against the novel coronavirus walk at a ferry pier in Hong Kong on Feb 5, 2020. (PHILIP FONG / AFP)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government said on Thursday that concerns over community transmission of the novel coronavirus are growing as health authorities suspected eight patients had been infected locally. 

One of the latest confirmed cases involved a 55-year-old Hong Kong woman, who is the wife of 21st patient

There are now 24 confirmed coronavirus cases in the city. One of the latest confirmed cases involved a 55-year-old Hong Kong woman, who is the wife of 21st patient.

The two other cases involved two women, aged 63 and 65, respectively. They are both Hong Kong residents and are being treated in Eastern Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, respectively.

In a press conference on Thursday, Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the communicable disease branch for the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, said the percentage of suspected local transmission cases was getting higher, indicating that the virus might be spreading widely in the city. 

At the press conference, the government also announced that seven clinics have been set aside to treat patients with minor respiratory illnesses. They will start to receive cases involving mild fever and upper respiratory tract infections within two days. 

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According to Tony Ha King-hang, chief manager (primary and community services) with the Hospital Authority, a total of 18 clinics across Hong Kong now meet requirements to be designated clinics.  

The move aims to reduce stress in hospitals and emergency rooms and reduce the risk of cross-infection among patients in the community. Patients with severe symptoms will be rushed to the hospital. 

The measure also helps to identify suspected cases in the community and isolate patients as early as possible, said Under Secretary for Food and Health Chui Tak-yi, who joined Chuang at the press conference. 

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So far the government has not yet revealed any details on how it would implement 14-day mandatory quarantine arrangements for all arrivals in Hong Kong from the mainland to be effective Feb 8.