The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday reported 18 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, 16 of which are local transmission, according to the Center for Health Protection (CHP).

And two more deaths reported on the day brought the city's death toll to 86.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 infections stands at 4,786.

Since early July, the HKSAR has seen another wave of COVID-19 outbreak with the sources of infection of many cases yet unknown, indicating a high risk of community transmission.

Mass screening will begin from September 1, aiming to complete the citywide testing in two weeks to help bring the epidemic under control.

Ahead of the large-scale testing, Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Friday visited the Fire Eye Laboratory, which can help enhance HKSAR's testing capacity — 300,000 to 500,000 per day, according to Xinhua News Agency.

According to Lam, an over 220-strong medical team from the mainland will help the city combat the epidemic. She has also called for local residents' participation in the citywide testing.