New clusters in new locations do pose a serious risk of wider transmission of COVID-19.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary Dr James Fong noted this in his daily COVID-19 statement last night.
Dr Fong said the ministry was prepared to mitigate the impact of a larger number of daily case totals and have contingency plans in place to care for patients who develop severe cases of the virus.
“But it should be noted that this case surge is not inevitable,” Dr Fong said.
“Widespread public adherence to the health protection measures in-force can limit or stop the spread of COVID-19 entirely and lessen the growing burden on our frontline health officials,” he said.
“Essential movement, when managed in a COVID-safe manner, can occur without moving the virus and without putting you, your loved ones, and your community members at high-risk of becoming infected.”
