The fresh cases included 1,489 picked up in PCR tests and 1,288 in rapid antigen tests.

Despite the downward trend, Centre for Health Protection controller Edwin Tsui Lok-kin warned of a potential surge in cases.

"Although the infection trend is downward, the caseload still remains at a high level. We cannot rule out the possibility that there will be a rebound in outbreaks. People should remain cautious and reduce unnecessary activities during the holiday," Tsui said.

"We are worried that crowds during the Easter holiday could increase the risk of a rebound in outbreaks. We hope people remain aware that there are still lots of transmission chains out there and avoid gatherings," he added.

So far in the fifth wave, 8,247 Covid patients have died, health authorities said, adding the death rate has hit 0.71 percent.

The mortality rate among the unvaccinated is 3.26 percent, while the death rates for patients who are single-, double- and triple-jabbed are 0.97, 0.14 and 0.03 percent, respectively.

The Hospital Authority's chief manager for quality and standards, Lau Ka-hin, said 84 Covid patients aged 43 to 102 died on Tuesday, including 77 aged above 65.

He reported another 27 deaths aged 36 to 95 between February 22 and April 4 due to lagged results.