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While much of the world is enjoying a respite from the latest pandemic wave, in Hong Kong and South Korea, they are seeing the highest daily numbers of this crisis, with Hong Kong particularly hard hit (see yesterday's HK Govt. Denies Plans For A `Complete Lockdown' As Daily Cases Exceed 50,000).
Even though they are being affected by the less severe Omicron variant, their numbers are so high their healthcare delivery systems are struggling, and - in Hong Kong at least - many essential services have been impacted.
Meanwhile the Chinese leadership in Beijing is watching the event in Hong Kong with great concern, as it threatens to spill over to the Mainland. Given the relatively low level of immunity expected in their population of 1.4 billion people, the economic and societal impact of a major Omicron wave could be catastrophic.
The latest (translated) report from Hong Kong's government (March 3rd) shows cases continue to climb, and government is now asking people to `say home' and `not to panic'.
While Hong Kong still appears intent on conducting the massive testing program they announced 10 days ago, the logistics of pulling it off are enormous, and there are concerns it may be too little, too late (see RFI report Top Hong Kong Covid expert says mass-testing plan 'unhelpful').
This update from News.Gov.HK.
Confirmed cases hit a new high, do not go out unless necessary
March 3, 2022
There were 56,827 new positive test cases for the novel coronavirus in Hong Kong, a single-day high. Deputy Secretary for Food and Health Tsui Tak-yi appealed to the public not to go out unless necessary, not to participate in cross-family gatherings, and to strictly implement personal epidemic prevention measures.
Au Ka-wing, chief physician of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, said at a briefing today that only two of the new cases were imported, and the rest were local infections.
Au Ka-wing pointed out that 37 new residential homes have confirmed cases or outbreaks, including 21 residential homes for the elderly and 16 residential homes for the disabled, involving a total of 434 residents and 132 employees.
As for the distribution of institutions, there are three in Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon, 14 in the New Territories East, and 15 in the New Territories West. There have been cases or outbreaks in about 710 residential homes in Hong Kong.
Xu Deyi said that the SAR government will continue to work together with the Chinese medicine industry and the Hospital Authority to further leverage the advantages and role of Chinese medicine in the prevention and control of the epidemic.
With the full support of the central government, the SAR government coordinated the delivery of anti-epidemic Chinese medicines to Hong Kong in a short period of time. So far, three Chinese patent medicines widely used in the mainland have arrived in Hong Kong, including Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, Jinhua Qinggan Granules, and Huoxiang Zhengqi Tablets. The authorities are distributing anti-epidemic Chinese medicines to citizens in need through various channels.
Xu Deyi pointed out that the epidemic situation in Hong Kong continues to be severe, and the medical and health service system is facing unprecedented pressure.
According to information from the Department of Health, among the confirmed cases announced yesterday, the ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic was two to one. According to foreign research data, the proportion of asymptomatic cases of the Omicron variant virus strain is higher than that of other variant virus strains, which also makes Omicron more likely to spread in the community.
Xu Deyi stressed that the supply of fresh food imported to Hong Kong is stable, and called on the public not to panic or panic buying.
He said that the central government attaches great importance to the supply of materials to Hong Kong and believes that it must be sufficient. The governments of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City fully assist, and maintain close contact with the SAR government, open a number of new waterways and railway transportation, optimize land transportation arrangements, and ensure that the mainland supplies to Hong Kong. Vegetables, fruits, other daily food and living resources are continuously delivered to Hong Kong.
In view of the sewage samples discharged from Yiu Tai House , Tin Yiu (2) Estate, Yuen Long , Block 6, Scenic Garden , Tsing Yi , Ming Yiu House, Yat Ming Estate, Shatin , Shek On House , Shek Lei (1) Estate, Kwai Chung , and Tak Ying House , Tak Long Estate, Kowloon City In response to the positive result of the new coronavirus test, the government made a restriction and testing announcement, and the above-mentioned buildings were designated as restricted areas, and residents were required to undergo mandatory testing before the designated time.
The Government has set up a dedicated webpage to provide relevant information and health advice on COVID-19.
