The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 3,172 additional locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which 449 were identified through nucleic acid tests and 2,723 via rapid antigen tests. Separately, 111 imported cases were detected. Furthermore, seven residential care homes for the elderly and five for disabled people logged 13 cases involving their residents. The Hospital Authority reported that 20 patients passed away in public hospitals. According to a preliminary analysis, the cause of death for nine patients was related to COVID-19, while that of the remaining 11 patients was unrelated. It also registered eight more critical cases, bringing the number of patients in critical condition to 93. Separately, to align with the Government’s cancellation of issuing isolation orders from tomorrow, the authority will, starting from the same day, announce at 8.30am and 1pm the information of general out-patient clinics (GOPC) quota reserved for COVID-19
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart Hong Kong tomorrow for Cambodia to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers meeting scheduled for September 17.
At the Sixth ASEAN Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultation meeting, Mr Yau and participating economic ministers of ASEAN member states (AMS) will discuss the progress of the free trade agreement’s implementation.
There will also be discussions on the related investment agreement between ASEAN and Hong Kong.
On the meeting’s sidelines, Mr Yau will hold bilateral meetings with various AMS economic ministers to exchange views on regional co-operation and issues of mutual interest.
The commerce chief will also attend a luncheon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and visit Hong Kong enterprises in Cambodia.
Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on the evening of September 18. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.
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