The value of Hong Kong’s total exports decreased to $284.1 billion in February, down 0.8% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The value of imports of goods fell 1.8% to $325.7 billion for the same period. A trade deficit of $41.7 billion, or 12.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in February. Comparing the three-month period ending February with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 5.5%, while that of imports also increased 3.3%. The Government noted that taking the first two months of the year together to remove the volatility caused by the difference in timing of the Lunar New Year, the value of exports posted a 16.6% growth against a very low base of comparison a year ago. Exports to the Mainland and the US rose notably, while those to the European Union fell. Those to other major Asian markets recorded a mixed performance. Looking ahead, the Gove
The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 124 additional COVID-19 cases. More cases were detected in Kwai Chung Estate. There are also more than 70 preliminary positive cases.
Among the newly reported cases, 33 are related to Kwai Chung Estate, bringing the total number of positive and preliminary positive cases in the estate to 276.
One more positive case was found after an earlier confirmed case occurred at Glory Court, Tsuen Wan Garden, both of them live in units 5 but on two different floors. The centre has co-ordinated with related government departments and conducted an inspection today.
It was preliminarily considered that vertical transmission of virus via pipes is involved.
The centre will issue quarantine orders to residents of unit 5 on all floors of the building who resided there during the incubation period of the relevant cases and transfer them to a quarantine facility.
As it is possible that virus might be ejected from the opening of the vent pipe at the rooftop and then penetrate into the units on the upper floors, quarantine orders will also be issued to residents of unit 4 on 16/F to 18/F and on the rooftop.
The Government made a restriction-testing declaration this evening covering Wai Chun House in Sham Shui Po and No. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33 and 35 Hung Kwong Street in To Kwa Wan where positive cases live.
In view of the cases which tested positive and preliminarily positive, as well as the sewage samples collected in Kwai Chung which also tested positive for the virus, 50 places are covered in a compulsory testing notice.
Meanwhile, in view of some sewage samples collected in Lam Tsuen in Tai Po, the Government calls on residents and those working in the area who are exposed to infection risks to undergo testing.
The Government will set up mobile specimen collection stations tomorrow to enable residents and those working in relevant areas to undergo testing.
For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.
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