AFP, Released Monday, February 14, 2022 at 12:07 p.m.
Hong Kong hospitals reached a maximum occupancy rate of 90% on Monday, officials said after acknowledging that the wave of pollution from the Omigron variant of Govt-19 had dealt a “severe blow” to the city’s health system. For its “zero-govt” strategy.
Although the infection rate is low compared to other major cities around the world, Hong Kong’s policy of sending even asymptomatic people to hospitals and isolated places has led to overcrowding and increased waiting times.
Authorities on Monday also announced the deaths of two elderly people from Govt-19. Last week the city saw its first corona virus-related deaths in five months, with seven patients over the age of 70 and a four-year-old boy infected with the virus.
On Sunday evening, government leader Gary Lam acknowledged that the onslaught of the highly contagious Omigran variant, which had exploded, had “dealt a severe blow to Hong Kong and violated the city’s ability to govern.”
Since the onset of the epidemic, Hong Kong has adhered to China’s “zero Govt” policy of eliminating any infection through extensive testing, mass isolation and extended social distance measures.
Since the end of December, more than 8,000 contaminants have been recorded, and experts fear the number of daily cases could exceed 25,000 by next month.
On Sunday, city hospitals told people with “stable or mild” symptoms to stay home.
“The dramatic increase in the number of confirmed cases in recent days has extended the time it takes to allow positive testing individuals into isolated centers,” Ms Lam acknowledged, adding that “the government will make no effort.” Implement the current “zero covid” strategy “.
Since only 50% of people over the age of 70 have been vaccinated, Hong Kong is finding it difficult to persuade its elderly to get vaccinated.
The government has repeatedly stated that the “zero Govt” policy is aimed at giving people more time to get vaccinated.
By the end of March, the most densely populated city could have recorded 28,000 daily pollutants, researchers warned Friday.
Direct teaching in kindergarten, elementary and middle schools – closed from January – will be suspended until the beginning of March, the Bureau of Education said.
By the end of 2021, more than 12,000 cases and 213 Govt-related deaths had been reported in Hong Kong.
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