The Hong Kong government announced, on Thursday, extending a work-from-home plan for civil servants amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak.
All civil servants, who had been due to resume work on Friday, will remain working from home until Feb. 11. The decision excludes those involved with essential and urgent work.
Health officials stated that many untraceable transmission chains of the Omicron variant were spreading across the global financial hub. The growing covid cases came as many Hongkongers enjoy Lunar New Year gatherings.
"There is quite severe community transmission at the moment," said Dr. Chuang Shuk-kwan of the city's health department. "The government is closely monitoring the situation and we will announce further measures as appropriate."
On Thursday, officials reported 142 cases, figures that are expected to rise, with a further 160 cases classed as preliminary positive. In total, Hong Kong has recorded 213 COVID-19 deaths and has had 13,912 confirmed cases, according to the government.
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