JAKARTA - Hong Kong is being overwhelmed by an "onset" of COVID-19 infections, its leader said on Monday, although deaths in the China-controlled global financial hub remain far fewer than its equivalent cities since the pandemic erupted two years ago.
Daily infections have doubled 13 times over the past two weeks, from around 100 cases in early February to more than 1,300 as of February 13, with authorities struggling to contain a deepening outbreak.
As the caseload soared, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam issued a statement on Monday saying her government would coordinate with Chinese officials to address the "aggravating situation".
China said it would assist the city with testing, treatment and quarantine, including securing resources from rapid antigen kits and protective gear to fresh vegetables.
The city reported at least 1,530 cases of COVID-19 as of Monday, broadcaster TVB said, citing unnamed sources. This will be a new record for daily cases.
"The fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong and weighed on the city's handling capacity," he said, adding patients had to wait longer to access isolation facilities.
"The situation is very undesirable and the government feels worried and sorry about it."
With the healthcare system already overwhelmed, medical experts warn the city could register 28,000 daily infections by the end of March, with unvaccinated older people a particular concern. Read more
Hospital beds for COVID-19 patients are 90 percent occupied, data from the city's Hospital Authority shows, while isolation facilities are nearing full capacity.
Hong Kong prioritizes the elderly, children and those in serious condition in hospitals, said Larry Lee, chief manager at the local hospital authority.
For all warnings over the latest wave of the pandemic, Hong Kong's total caseload since the pandemic first erupted is around 24,000 infections, including more than 200 deaths from COVID-19.
Carrie Lam said authorities would "not go to great lengths" to implement a "zero dynamic" coronavirus infection strategy in Hong Kong, which, like mainland China, seeks to contain the outbreak as soon as it occurs, in contrast to many other places trying to live with it. COVID.
To note, within the city, residents are prohibited from public gatherings of more than two people, while most places including schools, churches and gyms are all closed. Dining in restaurants is prohibited from 18:00 local time and most people work from home.
Meanwhile, strict flight restrictions have turned Hong Kong into one of the world's most isolated major cities, with its borders effectively closed for about two years.
The city's Legislative Council will discuss the injection of HK$27 billion, or about US$3.46 billion into an anti-epidemic fund, to support businesses and individuals affected by the city's strict social distancing measures, the government said in a statement. statement.
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