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

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it is investigating 30 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 16 are locally transmitted.

Among the 15 linked cases, 13 are related to URSUS Fitness in Sai Ying Pun.

The only case with an unknown source of infection involves an 81-year-old man who resides at Pine Care (Tak Fung) Elderly Centre in Lai Chi Kok.

At a press briefing this afternoon, the centre’s Principal Medical & Health Officer Dr Albert Au noted that two preliminary positive cases were detected during the compulsory testing operation carried out in the Central & Western restricted area last night.

They involve a couple who live in Dynasty Court and work at the US Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

“For the two preliminary positive COVID-19 cases affecting two staff of the US Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau, we have liaised with the consulate general to carry out further investigation and also contact tracing for these two cases.

“As they tested preliminary positive, as is our usual practice, we will arrange patients of both cases to be admitted to hospitals for isolation.

“Also, the CHP will issue an isolation order for the two staff.

“As far as we understand, they work in the US Consulate General as office staff. For the exact job nature of these two people, we are still liaising with the US Consulate General to understand more about their job nature. We will also arrange for the household contacts of these two cases to be admitted to hospitals for testing and also quarantine.”

The CHP also advised the consulate general to arrange testing for its staff as well as deep cleaning and disinfection at the premises.

The Food & Health Bureau issued a compulsory testing notice requiring people who had been present at the consulate general between March 2 and 15 to undergo a COVID-19 test.

Meanwhile, eight buildings and some workplaces with one or more confirmed cases are also covered by compulsory testing notices.

The Government will set up a mobile specimen collection station near the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on March 16 and extend the service period of the stations at Southorn Playground in Wan Chai and the carpark of Quarry Bay Community Hall.

Additionally, the Government has expanded the scope of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme priority groups to cover staff of scheduled premises under the relevant regulation, including those at fitness centres.

They can make online bookings to receive the jab at community vaccination centres or get vaccinated at a private doctor's clinic as early as possible.

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