HONG KONG, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the total confirmed cases to 4,993.
The new cases involved three imported and six local infections, with transmission chains of three still unknown, the CHP said at a press briefing.
The number of daily new cases retreated in Hong Kong in recent days thanks to the anti-epidemic efforts of the government.
Given the eased situation, Hong Kong has started to cautiously and gradually relax social distancing measures. Starting Friday, more entertainment venues will reopen, including bars, karaoke lounges and amusement parks, and restrictions over restaurants will also be loosened.
There are currently 173 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, with 14 in critical condition. Enditem