Covid "onslaught" has overwhelmed Hong Kongs capacity
Hong Kongs leader, Carrie Lam, has said an "onslaught" of Covid-19
infections has dealt a heavy blow and overwhelmed capacity to deal
with the virus as daily cases surge to record highs
(
https://bit.ly/3uQxR4D).
Daily infections have multiplied by a factor of 13 over the past two
weeks, from about 100 cases at the start of February to a record 2071
on 14 February, with authorities scrambling to control the deepening
outbreak. The figure is expected to more than double on Tuesday, with
another 4730 preliminary positive cases also announced.
Lam said on Monday her government would coordinate with Chinese
officials to tackle the "aggravating situation" after China said it would
help the city with testing, treatment and quarantine.
"The onslaught of the fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy
blow to Hong Kong and overwhelmed the citys capacity of handling,
she said. "The situation is highly undesirable and the government
feels worried and sorry about it."
Her top officials would coordinate with the central government to
enhance Hong Kongs testing and isolation facilities, and secure
resources from rapid antigen kits and protective gear to fresh
vegetables, she said.
The Chinese territory reported 1,347 new infections on Sunday, down
from Saturdays record, but the spread with 2,000 more suspected
cases threatens its overstretched healthcare system, authorities said.
More than 3,600 people were in hospital, with isolation beds at 90%
capacity. Ten people were in a critical condition. The deaths of four
elderly men were also reported on Monday.
"We cannot let the occupancy rate of our isolation beds reach 100%,
as we must reserve some spaces," said Dr Sara Ho Yuen-ha, the chief
manager of the hospital authority. Another 4,700 people were
isolating at home.
