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A second wave of coronavirus appears to have passed in Hong Kong. No cases of local infection have been reported in the past two weeks. CNN writes that other cities around the world seeking to find ways to ease restrictions could learn from Hong Kong’s success.
Between April 20 and May 5, only 15 new infections were reported in Hong Kong. In all cases, COVID-19 has been identified for recent travelers.
In total, more than a thousand people became infected in Hong Kong, four died. 920 people consider themselves healthy.
Scanpix / SIPA Photo / Hong Kong
Responded quickly
Hong Kong closed its borders and introduced restrictions on social distance about a week after the city’s first case of infection was diagnosed on January 24.
According to CNN, public panic in Hong Kong peaked in early February, when people stored toilet paper, face masks, and food. However, the number of infections remained relatively low, around 150 in early March.
When the coronavirus pandemic lessened in China and hit the West, the people of Hong Kong began to return to normal life. By the end of March, the number of infections had already exceeded 700.
The government then took swift and aggressive measures to curb the second wave of incidents: prohibiting the entry of uninhabited people into the city, as well as the transit of passengers through the country’s main airport, and imposing strict quarantine and testing measures on all newcomers. Those in quarantine received electronic bracelets to locate.
The government banned the sale of alcohol in bars and ordered the closure of all sports clubs and gyms. Many restaurants and cafes were closed, and existing food establishments reduced the number of customers so that the latter could maintain a social distance. The physical barriers were built somewhere between the tables, writes CNN.
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Although most of these measures were considered drastic, the authorities never introduced the official quarantine, but instead relied on community efforts to control the virus.
Such a strategy seems to have worked: the number of new infections detected each day is decreasing.
Cautious return
According to CNN, on Monday the government allowed the opening of recreational and sports spaces, such as tennis courts, updated services such as driving tests and courses, as well as services to help the most vulnerable groups in society.
Starting Friday, groups of no more than eight people will be allowed in public; this number was previously four. Gyms, beauty and massage salons, bars may also open, although the number of clients will be limited.
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Schools will gradually open from May 27: Students will attend classes in groups, not all at once.
As summer approaches, the public appreciates the relaxation of the restrictions. For the past two weekends, the beaches, nature trails, and camps have been crowded. Restaurants, again full: in some, followed, in others the tables are reserved for several weeks ahead.
However, medical experts warn against being too relaxed, as it is too early to say whether local infections have already stopped completely. Such conclusions will be possible when no new infections are registered after the two incubation periods of 28 days.
Possible riots returning to the streets are also troubling. In 2019, there were pro-democratic and anti-government protests in the city, which stalled during the pandemic. There are indications that protesters will return to the streets as the coronavirus threat weakens.
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