Health authorities on Friday announced 672 new Covid-19 cases, saying they are keeping a close eye on whether the rising number of infections could strain Hong Kong's medical system.

Among the newly logged cases, 291 were found through PCR tests, and the remaining 381 were rapid test positive cases later confirmed by laboratories.

The daily figure also included 59 imported cases.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan of the Centre for Health Protection said Omicron subvariants of Covid have further spread in the community.

"Luckily, we don't see any specific symptoms associated with these [subvariant] cases that are very different from other Omicron BA.2.2 cases, and also don't see any severe cases or death," said Chuang.

She also underlined that the local epidemic has rebounded, judging from the daily Covid figures, as well as other metrics such as the results of mandatory testing orders.

"We hope to monitor how this will weigh on our healthcare system," she said.

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USEFUL LINKS
General Covid-19 situation: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/
Covid-19 testing: https://www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/
Community Clinics for Covid-19 patients: https://bit.ly/3a4BZFE
RAT reporting platform: https://www.chp.gov.hk/ratp/
Vaccination programme: https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/sen/
Vaccination pass scheme: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/vaccine-pass.html
Hotline for Covid-positive patients: 1836 115