Hong Kong’s health system is “overwhelmed” by the fifth wave of COVID-19

MADRID, Feb. 14 (Royals Blue) –

The head of the Hong Kong Government, Carrie Lam, has acknowledged that the fifth wave of the coronavirus has “overwhelmed” the health system with record figures of 2,071 infections this Monday alone and 4,500 more suspected cases.

“The onslaught of the fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong and has overwhelmed the city’s management capacity,” Lam said, according to Singapore’s CNA television. Thus, the influx of patients has caused an increase in the time it takes to transfer them to isolation facilities.

“The situation is unfortunate and the Government is concerned and regrets it,” he added. Lam has also announced greater coordination with the mainland Chinese authorities to deal with this situation after Beijing announced the shipment of tests, means for treatment and to maintain quarantines.

Daily infections have multiplied thirteen in the last two weeks, from just a hundred in early February to more than 1,347 on Sunday. Last week eight deaths were recorded, the first since last September.

The COVID plants are already at 90 percent of their capacity, according to the Hospital Authority, and the isolation facilities are almost full and priority is already being given to the elderly, minors and people with serious previous pathologies, while the most severe cases mild are returned to their homes.

Experts predict up to 28,000 new cases per day by the end of March and the main concern is the elderly unvaccinated.