Hong Kong which follows China’s zero approach to Covid-19 is seeing a surge of 20x in daily cases to pass the 1,600 mark which is further stressing the healthcare system on the island.
Despite the spike in numbers and hospitals reaching maximum capacity, Leader Carrie Lam has stated that there will be no citywide lockdown. The approach now is different than how the city handled infections months back when lockdowns and business closure were the mandates. With vaccination, the approach has differed but Carrie will still follow orders from CHina on zero infections.
According to a report from Reuters, health officials say several hospitals were operating over 100 capacity with patients are even being attended to outside in makeshift tents. As infections multiplied, authorities were unable to keep up with testing and isolation mandates. Hong Kong’s total caseload since the pandemic began in 2020 is at 26,000 with 200 deaths a fairly low rate compared to other nations.
As the latest surge in cases grips the island, experts warn Hong Kong could see daily cases reach 26,000 by end-March and this could be worrying for the elderly who have been vaccine-hesitant.
