Hong Kong ‘overwhelmed’ as COVID-19 infections hit record

But, with the healthcare system already overstretched, medical experts warn the city could see 28,000 daily infections by the end of March, with the unvaccinated elderly a particular worry.

Hospital beds for COVID-19 patients are already at 90 per cent occupancy, data from the city’s Hospital Authority showed, while isolation facilities are near full capacity.

Hong Kong is prioritising elderly, children and those in serious conditions in hospitals, said Larry Lee, chief manager at the city’s Hospital Authority.

There are about 1,000 patients waiting to be hospitalised, authorities said on Monday.

CURB OUTBREAKS

For all the alarm over the latest wave of the pandemic, Hong Kong’s total caseload since the pandemic first erupted is about 24,000 infections, including more than 200 deaths, less than many other similar major cities.

Lam said authorities would “spare no effort” to implement the “dynamic zero” coronavirus infection strategy in Hong Kong, which, like China, seeks to curb outbreaks as soon as they occur, in contrast with many other places that are trying to live with COVID-19.

Inside the city, residents are banned from public gatherings of more than two people while most venues including schools, churches and gyms are all shut. Dining in restaurants is banned from 6pm local time and most people are working from home.

The city will extend the suspension of face-to-face classes by two weeks until Mar 7, local broadcaster RTHK said.

Strict flight restrictions have turned Hong Kong into one of the world’s most isolated major cities with its borders effectively sealed for around two years.

The city’s Legislative Council is due to discuss the injection of HK$27 billion (US$3.46 billion) into an anti-epidemic fund to support businesses and individuals affected by the city’s stringent social distancing measures, the government said in a statement.

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