HONG KONG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said on Friday that it is stepping up its infection-control measures as the next wave of COVID-19 infections, which are expected to hit in the winter, could be even more serious than the recent third wave.

(File photo: CFP)

Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR government Sophia Chan said high-risk groups and high-exposure groups, as well as workers at wet markets and in the transport sector, and those working at container terminal and slaughterhouses, will be tested regularly for COVID-19.

She also said another 1,000 beds will be added to the treatment facility at the AsiaWorld-Expo within weeks. A two-storied temporary hospital with more than 800 beds near the venue will also be completed in about four months.