A man sketches in front of the promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, July 16, 2020. (PHOTO/XINHUA)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government dispelled rumors it would impose lockdowns in the coming few days as the city reported two more deaths relating to COVID-19 and 61 new infections on Tuesday. 

Among the 61 new cases, 58 were locally transmitted and three imported. 

READ MORE: Medical experts urge HK govt to consider curfew

Twenty-five of the 58 local cases have no known origins, said health officials at a press conference in the afternoon.

The Hong Kong SAR government refuted as "unfounded" rumors that it may impose a so-called "lockdown" in the coming few days in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The new cases brought the city's infection tally to 2,019.

The latest patients to die from the disease were two men aged 77 and 87, respectively, according to a press release issued by the Hospital Authority on Tuesday. Both patients had underlying chronic conditions.

The latest toll took the number of COVID-19 patients who have died in public hospitals to 14.

As of Tuesday noon, 1,323 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovery, while 609 confirmed patients are still hospitalized in 14 hospitals, including 29 in critical condition and 11 in serious condition, the authority said.  

ALSO READ: HK bracing for worst wave of virus as facilities stretched thin

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government said rumors that it may impose a so-called "lockdown" in the coming few days in light of the COVID-19 outbreak was "unfounded".

"Members of the public should not be misled by fake news, nor should they spread any rumor that can lead to unnecessary fear,” a government spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman urged members of the public to continue to comply with the guidelines on social distancing, go out less and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

With Xinhua inputs