Hong Kong Fourth Wave: Health Chiefs Warn of Possible ‘Explosive Outbreak’ of COVID-19 as 101 New Cases Confirmed

Hong Kong could face an “explosive outbreak” soon if Covid-19 cases and untraceable infections remain high, a health official warned, as 101 new coronavirus cases were confirmed on Saturday, the fourth time this week that a three-digit number was registered.

The Post understands that Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, a publicly owned technology hub, was among those infected, but authorities would only say that an employee of the group was confirmed to have the coronavirus.

Clusters of infections in dance clubs, nursing homes, a construction site and a private hospital continued to expand, while untraceable infections remained high, with 29 cases. Thirty-six infections of unknown origin were recorded on Friday, the most since the city’s fourth wave began last month.

“I can say that the current state of the pandemic in Hong Kong is very serious,” said Dr. Albert Au, from the communicable diseases branch of the Center for Health Protection, at a regular Covid-19 news conference.

Referring to the increase in general and untraceable infections, he added: “If the situation continues, at some point we may find an explosive outbreak in the near future.”

The latest figures raised the city’s infection count to 6,802, with 112 related deaths. About 50 people tested preliminary positive for the virus on Saturday.

Among the 63 cases linked to previous infections, 18 were associated with a “super-diffusion” group involving dance and singing venues throughout the city, bringing the total number of patients in the group to 625.

Six more cases were recorded at Ho Yuk Ching Willow Lodge, an elderly care center in Tai Kok Tsui, bringing the patients there to 10, while two more infections were added to the Fong Shu Chuen Shelter and Day Activity Center. , a center in Shau Kei. Wan for the intellectually disabled who now has 57 infections in total.

A group at a construction site in Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O also increased from three to 34 cases, while one more infection was recorded at the Hong Kong Sanitarium and Hospital, which recently saw an outbreak involving an elderly patient who infected staff members died.

A nurse from Dr. Fok Lai-sing’s private clinic in Whampoa and a student from Munsang College in Kowloon City were also among the confirmed cases. Nine infections were imported, involving foreign travelers, aircrew members and a domestic worker.

Meanwhile, the Hospital Authority urged residents to be patient and cooperate with medical professionals at health facilities, following an incident at St John Hospital in Cheung Chau on Thursday. A resident had poured deep-throat saliva samples onto a desk in a nurse’s room after being told the deposit time for the day had ended.

A nurse at the desk had worn protective gear but would still undergo medical testing and surveillance for safety, the authority said.

“We express our deep regret for that resident’s disregard for the public good, and hope that the residents can cooperate with the medical arrangements and protect public health,” said Dr. Lau Ka-hin, director of the authority.

Earlier on Saturday, Home Affairs Secretary Caspar Tsui Ying-wai warned that interdepartmental inspections will be increased in the coming weeks in areas where people could gather.

The more severe flat fines of HK $ 5,000, compared to HK $ 2,000, will take effect next Friday and apply to violations of the two-person rule on public gatherings, mandatory use of masks and mandatory trial orders.

“Increased penalties are intended to strengthen public awareness. The relevant departments have not slowed down or reduced inspections, but will normally give first notice before issuing fines, ”said Tsui.

Among the cases revealed on Friday were four people who attended concerts by popular pop-singing singer Hins Cheung King-hin at the Hong Kong Coliseum on different days, raising concerns about a possible spread at the venue.

Tsui told a local radio show that no broadcast channel for the concerts had yet been discovered, but that workers involved in the events, including the Department of Cultural and Recreational Services, would receive virus tests. “If there are more confirmed cases, the relevant preventive measures will be strengthened if necessary,” he said.

Separately, the rail operator MTR Corporation announced that it would not provide night service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and would adjust the frequencies of trains on the Kwun Tong and Island lines on Saturdays from next week, in view of the situation of the Covid-19. and number of passengers.

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