Prepare for hundreds of daily COVID-19 cases in 4th wave, health official says
Health authorities are warning the public of a possible COVID-19 rebound with the surge in preliminary positive infections. (FILE PHOTO)
Hong Kong health authorities have warned against even more new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the fourth wave experts believe to batter the city this winter.
Undersecretary for Food and Health Dr. Chui Tak-yi said this threat highlighted the need for community treatment and isolation facilities.
“It’s a proactive plan of the government to prepare for the fourth wave,” he told reporters.
Chui said experts have told the Hong Kong government the winter wave can ‘very likely’ arrive.
“And also, we have to be well-prepared for even bigger number of new cases per day, up to hundreds per day,” he added.
Chui said the Department of Health will give more testing bottles to 40 general out-patient clinics from the current 12, by the end of the month.
The health official also warned the public against letting their guard down during the long weekend starting Oct. 1, National Day, up until Oct. 4.
“Please reduce the time when you take your mask off. Please do not stay in places where there is poor ventilation,” he said.
After two days of not holding press briefings on the coronavirus situation, Dr. Chuang Shuk-kwan appeared before reporters today to disclose nine new confirmed infections.
Three of these are imported: one returnee from Iran, and two returnees from the United Kingdom.
Three others had unknown sources of infection. They include an unemployed 24-year-old male in Tin Shui Wai who ate at a restaurant in Kingswood Ginza. The restaurant employees will go through testing.
Another case with an unknown source is a 57-year-old clerk for charitable in Kwun Tong. Five other people working in her office will be quarantined, Chuang said.
A 52-year-old female who works on the seventh floor in Chong Hing Square in Mong Kok was the third confirmed case with an unknown source of infection. Her colleagues will also be sent for testing.
The remaining three cases have links to previous cases.
The daily tally comes as bars, pubs, karaoke bars, and other places of amusement are set to reopen by Friday, in light of the seeming downtrend of the city’s coronavirus situation.
Undersecretary Chui however warned that despite the gradual easing of social distancing measures in the city, the government will step up the enforcement of these measures.
“These premises can be opened but it doesn’t mean there’s no risk,” Chui said in Cantonese. “You can’t assume there’s no chance of infection in the community.
Under the updates under the Prevention and Control Ordinance of Hong Kong, the seating capacity in these premises has been reduced to half, and live performances and dancing are still prohibited.
“We are trying to balance the public health risk also the need of the general public for their social or daily activities, also the overall economic situation of Hong Kong,” Chui said.