People wearing face masks ride an escalator in a shopping mall in Central, Hong Kong, July 22, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The central government will provide all necessary support for Hong Kong's fight against COVID-19 at the request of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR said.

A spokesperson for the office said in a statement on Sunday night that the central government attaches great importance to the recent coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong.

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As long as the HKSAR requires it, the central government will provide great assistance in medical materials, facilities and equipment at any time, the spokesperson said, adding that the central government will also support Hong Kong in improving its virus test capability and assist in the construction of makeshift hospitals.

Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection reported 128 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth straight day when the daily additional cases surpassed 100.

READ MORE: Central govt offers 'all necessary support' for HK's virus fight