Filipina domestic worker among 8 new COVID-19 cases

The Centre for Health Protection in Kowloon City.

Hong Kong health authorities confirmed eight new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Wednesday, with seven of them imported cases.

Among the imported cases is a Filipina domestic worker, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said. The Filipina, 33, was already under quarantine after she arrival via Philippine Airlines flight PR300 on Oct. 10.

She stayed at the Mini Hotel in Causeway Bay, when she started developing symptoms on Oct. 19. She tested positive on the second sample, according to the report from

Two of the imported cases were flight crew members. These include a 42-year-old male from Ethiopia who arrived on Oct. 19, and another from the United States who arrived on Oct. 17.

Three of the other imported cases were from Belgium, and another was from India.

The lone local case is a 66-year-old male who presented symptoms on Oct. 19. He is epidemiologically linked with a previous case.

There have been lower figures of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases recently. Yesterday, there were only five infections confirmed—including a local case with an unknown source of infection.

Despite sporadic cases without traceable sources, the Hong Kong government has gradually eased social distancing measures imposed on the city. On Tuesday, it said it will allow travel agents to hold tours with groups of no more than 30 people beginning Friday this week.

As many as 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding ceremonies and conferences starting Friday, up from 20, as long as food and drinks were not served.

However, masks will still be required in most public spaces as well as in public transportation. Public gatherings are still limited to four persons per group.

This latest round of social distancing rules will last until Oct. 29.

Today’s newly-confirmed COVID-19 infections bring Hong Kong’s total to 5,270.