HONG KONG (Washington Insider Magazine) – In March, Hong Kong’s total population of 7.5 million individuals will be tested for COVID-19, according to the city’s leader, as the city grapples with its largest epidemic caused by the omicron strain.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that the population would be tested 3 times through March.
She claims that testing bandwidth will be increased to 1 million or more each day.
Since February 15, Hong Kong has recorded roughly 5,000 new cases each day, according to ABC NEWS, with the infections risking overwhelming the city’s healthcare system. The city has registered roughly 54,000 illnesses and 145 fatalities since the current spike commenced at the start of the year.
The decision for citywide screening arrives after mainland Chinese officials sent health workers, epidemiologists and various medical supplies to the semi-autonomous Chinese city last week to help control the epidemic.
Even as several other nations adjust their strategy to cope with the virus, Hong Kong has mainly positioned itself with mainland China’s “zero-COVID-19” policy, which strives to completely eradicate infections.
In certain parts of the mainland, city-wide lockdowns have been implemented, but Lam indicated that such a policy is not being contemplated in Hong Kong since it is “not realistic.”
She also disputed that the Chinese central government is giving Hong Kong instructions on how to deal with the outbreak.
When positive instances of COVID-19 are identified, Hong Kong authorities frequently take actions such as closing down residential areas for mass testing, imposing tight quarantine rules on tourists, and mandating the closure of enterprises.
The city’s healthcare system has been endangered by a fast increase in infections.
Last week, health workers stated that hospitals were currently over 90% capacity, while isolation units were completely filled. In Hong Kong, anyone who tested positive for the infection must be committed to a hospital or isolation facility.
On Tuesday, Lam recognized that the city’s quarantine units are “severely inadequate” and that the city is working hard to develop additional units with the full backing of the central administration.
Present social distancing regulations, such as restaurant closings after 6 p.m. and bar and gym closures, will be prolonged until April 20.
She stated that the city wants to reach a vaccination percentage of 90% by early March.
Other initiatives announced Tuesday involve closing the school year early and relocating the traditional summer vacation from July to August to March and April so that schools may be used for screening, quarantine, and vaccination.
Flight restrictions from high-risk nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nepal, Canada, Pakistan, and the Philippines will be extended until April 20.
