[Explanation] The new crown pneumonia epidemic in Hong Kong is severe. On the afternoon of July 22, the Department of Health of the Special Administrative Region Government notified that as of 0:00 that day, Hong Kong had newly confirmed 113 new crown pneumonia cases, a record high in a single day since the epidemic, of which 105 were local cases. The cumulative number of confirmed cases increased to 2,131. In response to the latest developments in the epidemic, the SAR government announced on the same day that it would further tighten epidemic prevention measures.

　　[Concurrent] Chen Zhaoshi, Director of Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

　　Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, especially the recent cases involving activities that do not wear masks, the risks are actually quite high. Therefore, we believe that stricter epidemic prevention measures are needed, including requirements for indoor public places and public At transportation terminals and interchanges, masks must be worn at all times.

　　[Explanation] This regulation will take effect on July 23 for a period of 14 days. Chen Zhaoshi stated that the gazette will instruct people arriving in Hong Kong from high-risk areas, including those who have stayed in India, Nepal, the United States and other places in the past 14 days, to provide a certificate of negative virus test within 72 hours, and to book a hotel in Hong Kong. confirmation. The relevant instructions will take effect at 0:00 on July 29 until further notice. In the latest risk assessment, the SAR government listed Kazakhstan and the United States as high-risk areas.

　　[Explanation] Chen Zhaoshi mentioned that of the 719 newly confirmed cases from July 8 to 21, 84% were local cases. The risk of a large-scale outbreak in the community is now very high. She emphasized that the next week or two will be the key to the development of the epidemic. If the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, the SAR government does not rule out that it will adopt more stringent prevention and control measures.

　　[Concurrent] Chen Zhaoshi, Director of Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

　　The epidemic in Hong Kong is at its most severe moment, so I once again strongly urge all citizens to stay at home as much as possible, really stay at home as much as possible, avoid unnecessary outings, reduce eating out, and stop all unnecessary social activities, especially It's a dinner party. This is a very critical time. I hope everyone will fight the epidemic together so that we can overcome the virus.

　　Reporter Li Waner from Hong Kong

Editor in charge: [Li Yuxin]