(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 38 additional cases of COVID-19, of which 30 cases are locally transmitted and eight are imported.

The centre said of the 30 local cases, 17 are linked to patients previously infected and 13 are cases with unknown sources of infection.

At a press briefing this afternoon, the centre’s Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Chuang Shuk kwan said as the COVID-19 outbreak widens in the city, members of public should stay vigilant against the disease.

“I think that both the Government and the public may have to tighten up the measures to maintain social distancing and avoid going out as much as possible to try to curb the this epidemic."

Dr Chuang also urged Kowloon East residents exhibiting coronavirus symptoms to see a doctor immediately and ask for a COVID-19 test given many newly confirmed cases are linked to the area.

She said: “If any of the residents, especially those living in Kowloon East, if they develop any symptoms, please go see a doctor as soon as possible and ask for a (COVID-19) test.

“This is more important than waiting for us to send them (specimen) bottles for testing, because that would be more time consuming and also the yield would be very low.”

She also advised concerned residents to stay at home as much as possible and avoid social gatherings.

“While waiting for tests, do not go to gatherings and see friends and avoid social activities.”

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.