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

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 98 additional COVID-19 cases, adding that eight new cases related to a domestic helpers' boarding house in Tai Po were reported.

The centre's Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan told a press briefing there are 89 local cases, of which 30 have an unknown source of infection.

“We are worried that the COVID-19 outbreak of domestic helpers in the Tai Po boarding house may affect more families throughout Hong Kong. That is why we are issuing a compulsory testing notice. Even though there is a list of visitors that we can obtain, we are not sure if that one is comprehensive.

“Also, we are not sure how long this transmission has occurred. That is why we are asking those who had visited the boarding house since a month ago to come forward for testing. For those who visited recently, we have put them under quarantine already, but for those who have passed the incubation period, we want them to get tested.”

Of the cases linked with previous ones, two are residents of Kwai Tung House at Tung Tau Estate in Wong Tai Sin, while one is a resident of Ming Lai House at Choi Wan (II) Estate.

A resident of Tat Yi House at Po Tat Estate has tested preliminary positive for the virus.

Dr Chuang said: “For residential buildings in Hong Kong, I think because the environment is so crowded, of course it is a good practice to check the pipes and the sewer system to make sure everything is in order in your place.

“We are worried about environmental contamination which is not only due to pipes, and sewage sometimes. For example, it may be due to some practice with the ventilation fan or exhaust fan. That is why we need everybody to keep vigilant if you are living in a high-rise and crowded area and try to avoid possible transmission.”

A compulsory testing notice was gazetted today to require those who visited unit 1C, Fung Nin Building, 28-32 Tai Wing Lane in Tai Po for more than two hours from November 15 to December 15 to undergo a virus test by December 20.

In the notice, those who visited Tat Yi House and Ming Lai House for more than two hours from November 20 to December 15 are also required to get tested.

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