Hong Kong reports 10 new coronavirus cases in a day

The latest cases of the coronavirus take the total in Hong Kong to 36. Image: Shutterstock

Hong Kong health authorities announced late on Sunday that they had confirmed 10 cases of the novel coronavirus that first emerged in Wuhan, including nine relatives who attended a family hotpot meal in Kwun Tong.



The new cases, seven of which were confirmed just before midnight, take the total in Hong Kong to 36.



Nine of the patients were among 19 members of the same extended family who attended a hotpot and barbecue meal in a party room in Kwun Tong on January 26 to mark the Lunar New Year.



The first to be diagnosed was a 24-year-old man from Wan Chai who had not travelled recently. His 91-year-old grandmother was also confirmed to have the virus, as were his mother, 57, and his 68-year old father.



The mother's sister, 51, along with her 25-year-old daughter and 22-year-old son were also found to have the virus. Another sister, aged 50, and her 23-year-old son also have the virus.



They're being treated at Ruttonjee Hospital and Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. Two other relatives who have virus symptoms are being treated at the Prince of Wales Hospital.



Two of those present were visiting from Guangzhou and have now left Hong Kong.



The other case involves a 70-year-old man who lives at Choi Fung Court in Ngau Chi Wan who had not travelled outside the SAR recently. He fell ill on January 30 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on Saturday, where he's in a stable condition.



The Centre for Health Protection is investigating. A spokesman said: "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are believed to be locally infected."



The man had spent most of his time at home and in the home of his son, who lives in the same building. Five relatives and a domestic helper are being quarantined.