The value of Hong Kong’s total goods exports increased to $389 billion in April, up 1.1% compared with the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The value of imports of goods rose 2.1% to $425.6 billion for the same period. A trade deficit of $36.6 billion, or 8.6% of the value of imports, was recorded for the month. Comparing the three-month period ending April with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports decreased 12% while that of imports fell 11.7%. The Government said epidemic-induced transportation disruptions, though easing somewhat in the latter part of the month, continued to constrain export performance. It pointed out that exports to the Mainland fell while those to the US and the European Union posted visible growth. Looking ahead, the global economic outlook has worsened amid rampant inflation in some major economies and monetary policy tightening by respective cen
The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating seven additional COVID-19 cases, one of which is tentatively classified as a locally transmitted case with an unknown source of infection.
All the new cases are with the L452R mutant strain.
The local case involves a 27-year-old male airline ground crew staff member at Hong Kong International Airport, where he had received cargo flight crews.
He lives with his family at Wan Hang House, Wan Tau Tong Estate in Tai Po.
At a press briefing this afternoon, the centre's Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan explained why they did not rule out the possibility that this case was linked to overseas or imported cases.
“This (COVID-19) patient mainly works at the airport. He also has another (job) at the Uptown Plaza as a customer service assistant. He stayed at home and had interaction with his family and some relatives.
“As we (have not had) any variant (cases involving the L452R mutant strain) in the community so far, we suspect that he had some connection with overseas cases or imported cases.
“So we think that the place where he got the infection is more (than) likely the airport where he worked (at). As for the exact source of infection, it is still under investigation.
“Hopefully, (this) would not start another outbreak. That is why we are putting all his close contacts under quarantine.”
So far, more than 180 people had been put into quarantine, Dr Chuang added.
A total of 26 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, all of which are imported.
For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage.
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