Hong Kong Government Has Not Decided On Lockdown Amid Spike In COVID-19 Deaths, Residents Are Asked Not To Panic

JAKARTA - The Hong Kong government said any decision to impose a COVID-19 lockdown, would take into account the status and ensure necessities such as food, urging anxious residents who stormed supermarkets this week not to panic.

The Hong Kong government said it was still planning and "refining" details for the mandatory mass COVID testing scheme, and would announce details once confirmed.

The government's statement, released late on Tuesday, comes amid widespread confusion and chaos, with many residents tired and frustrated by the mixed messages and near-daily adjustments to Coronavirus rules.

Hong Kong leader, Carrie Lam, previously said citywide lockdowns and mandatory testing were not being considered.

However, Health Minister, Sophia Chan, on Monday said a lockdown was not ruled out, sparking rumors, leading residents to raid groceries, pharmaceutical products, and banking services.

Hong Kong has stuck to its 'zero dynamic' Coronavirus policy, as in mainland China which is trying to curb all outbreaks. Some business leaders, medical experts, and diplomats have questioned the sustainability of the zero COVID-19 policy as cases soar.

The government will 'maintain Hong Kong's status as a financial center when implementing the Compulsory Universal Testing (CUT) scheme', she said.

"Experience of implementing CUT initiatives in other parts of the world shows that basic needs of citizens such as food, necessities and seeking medical care outside the home must be addressed. Citizens should not panic or scramble or stockpile relevant supplies."

The former British colony has reported more than 230,000 Coronavirus infections and more than 800 deaths since the pandemic began in 2020. Around 500 deaths have occurred in the past week, with the majority of the population being unvaccinated.

Daily reported infections have jumped more than 30 times to more than 30,000 since early February when there were about 100 daily cases. There have been more than 800 deaths, with about 500 deaths in the past week.

To note, health experts from the University of Hong Kong said there were about 1.7 million people already infected as of Monday, with a daily peak of around 183,000 infections expected in the coming week.