Health workers struggle to cope with 4,500 cases expected today; arrival from Hong Kong tests positive in Macao.
Hong Kong
Most infections Omicron variant; three-year-old girl and trio of over-80s in critical condition; authorities stream hospital admission process.
Government urged to provide rapid antigen test kits to the population for self-testing every other day in the coming two months.
Health officials advise bosses to check staff’s travel history and monitor their physical wellbeing; recent travellers to the mainland should get follow-up test.
Leong Iek Hou points to benefits of ‘mix and match’ vaccination, warns of ongoing threat posed by pandemic.
Respiratory medicine expert Leung Chi-chiu has warned that daily case counts could reach 10,000 within a week.
Hong Kong’s toughest pandemic measures come in the wake of 600 new reported Covid-19 infections in the city today.
Health officials say stricter measure reflects the prevailing Covid-19 situation; 14-day quarantine rule remains unchanged.
While Hong Kong is cutting time to 14 days and a week’s self-health management, city health chief says Omicron and Delta still present significant threat.