Hong Kong to vaccinate 3-year-olds amid new COVID-19 surge

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong plans to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children as young as 3 as infections rage through the semi-autonomous Chinese city. The city reported a record 2,071 new cases on Monday, with that number expected to double the next day with more than 4,500 preliminary positives identified. The wave blamed on the omicron variant has already prompted new restrictions limiting in-person gatherings to no more than two households. Only vaccinated people will be permitted in shopping malls and supermarkets. Places of worship, hair salons and other businesses have been ordered to close. Vaccinations for children aged 3 and above will start being administered on Tuesday.