Hong Kong For The First Time In Five Months Reports Death Possibly Related To COVID-19

Illustration of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. (Wikimedia Commons/Studio Incendo)

JAKARTA - An elderly man who returned with a positive test for COVID-19 in Hong Kong died on Tuesday, local hospital authorities said, the first death in Hong Kong possibly linked to the calam virus in the past five months, as the outbreak worsened.

The global financial hub will report a record at least 1,160 new infections on Wednesday, broadcaster TVB reported, citing unnamed sources.

Hong Kong has recorded more than 2,600 cases over the past two weeks, compared to just two in December last year.

In total, Hong Kong has reported around 16,600 infections since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 and 213 deaths, a much lower number than in other similar regions.

The Hospital Authority said late Tuesday the 73-year-old patient was chronically ill and had returned an initial positive test for COVID during hospital admission.

It is not yet clear whether his death will be classified as Hong Kong's 214th COVID death, as the initial positive case had to undergo further tests to be classified as positive.

Hong Kong announced strict new coronavirus restrictions and recorded new infections on Tuesday, while a citywide shortage of vegetables added to the misery, as truck drivers who tested positive were unable to bring vegetables from mainland China.

It is known, Hong Kong has adhered to the 'zero dynamic' strategy used by mainland China, to suppress all outbreaks of the corona virus as soon as possible to eliminate the virus.

The measures, the toughest imposed since the start of the pandemic, are taking an increasing social and economic toll on the city's 7.5 million residents.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said her territory could not try to live with the virus, as much of the world did, as more than 50 percent of older people had not been vaccinated.

While around 80 percent of Hong Kong residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, many parents are sceptical.

Please note, Hong Kong authorities are implementing a vaccine permit from February 24, which will require proof of vaccination to enter many places including shopping malls and supermarkets.

At the same time, authorities have banned gatherings of more than two people, closing schools, playgrounds, gyms and most other places. Dining in restaurants is prohibited from 6pm, while private gatherings at home are also restricted.

Flight numbers have fallen by about 90 percent due to travel restrictions while most people, including most civil servants, are working from home.