Visitors take photos on the Peak in Hong Kong on Dec 29, 2020. (PETER PARKS / AFP)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong reported 68 new COVID-19 cases on the last day of 2020, the second-highest over the past week, bringing the city’s tally to 8,846.

The new cases included 62 locally transmitted infections, 18 of which were untraceable, Chuang Shuk-kwan, who heads the Centre for Health Protection’s communicable disease branch, said at a briefing in the afternoon.

READ MORE:  Carrie Lam: Vaccination key to overcoming COVID-19 pandemic

Three buildings were dropped from a list that requires residents to undergo mandatory testing after the health authorities identified a mix-up

A 77-year-old COIVD-19 patient with chronic diseases died on Thursday morning, according to a statement issued by the Hospital Authority. The man, who was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre due to fever and pneumonia on Dec 25, was the city’s 148th patient who succumbed to COVID-19.

Three buildings were dropped from a list that subjects residents at designated premises to mandatory testing, after the health authorities identified a mix-up. Chuang attributed the mistake to unclear information provided to the authorities and apologized to affected residents.

ALSO READ: HK secures 22.5m doses of vaccines, enough for all citizens

The buildings are Hiu Lai Court Hiu Sing House in Kwun Tong, Tsui Lam Estate On Lam House in Tseung Kwan O and Ching Wah Court Wah Yan House in Tsing Yi.

Meanwhile, three buildings – Tsz Oi Court Oi Yan House in Tsz Wan Shan, Ho Man Tin Estate Ching Man House and Tak Po Building in Sham Shui Po – have been added to the list, Chuang said.

Chuang said it is understandable to hold family gatherings during the festive season, but urged people to be vigilant.

"Everyone should be vigilant during the upcoming three-day New Year’s Day holiday.  ... and think twice before taking part in gatherings if they have elderly family members at home, who may have a weaker immune system," Chuang said.

Chuang warned on Wednesday that the daily caseload may rebound after the holidays, especially when there are super-spreaders taking part in gatherings.

According to the Hospital Authority, 788 COVID-19 patients are being treated in public hospitals and the community treatment facility at AsiaWorld-Expo, including 51 in critical condition.