A woman looks out towards the city skyline in Hong Kong on September 22, 2020. (ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong reported seven new COVID-19 cases on Thursday as the government is set to require travelers from the United Kingdom to present negative coronavirus test results before they can take their flight to the city.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said the new infections included four imported cases and three local infections.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said the new infections included four imported cases and three local infections

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The local cases were all linked to previously confirmed patients. The city's number of confirmed cases rose to 5,056, the CHP added. 

Hong Kong will also require travelers from the UK to submit a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure, according to a Hong Kong government statement.

The move takes effect from October 1. Arrivals from other countries that are already subject to the same requirements include the US, South Africa, India and Philippines.

"Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong,” a CHP spokesman said.

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“On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes,” he added.

The spokesman also urged members of the public to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. 

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With inputs from Bloomberg