The number of confirmed cases of new coronary pneumonia in Hong Kong in a single day has reached a recent high of 7,800. The authorities believe that the current rise is related to the mutated virus strain Omicron BA.5. It is expected that the number of cases in a single day will exceed 10,000, and it is revealed that social distancing measures cannot be ruled out. Zhang Zhujun, director of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Center for Health Protection, called on the public to “forbearance” to avoid gatherings in the short term, but he understands that citizens are tired of fighting the epidemic, and if they want to participate, they should take precautions once morest the epidemic. participate?”
There were 7,884 new confirmed cases in a single day yesterday, including 207 imported cases, returning to the level of the fifth wave of the epidemic in late March. The CHP analyzed the samples collected on Sunday (21st) and found that 40.8% were suspected BA.4 or BA.5, and only 8.7% were suspected BA.2.12.1. Zhang Zhujun pointed out that the proportion of suspected BA.5 cases has increased sharply in recent days, which does not rule out an increase in the number of confirmed cases recently, and it is estimated that the current increase may increase to more than 10,000 confirmed cases in a single day. She pointed out that the government is worried that the continued rise of the epidemic will affect the medical system, so although it does not want to but does not rule out tightening social distancing measures.
Zhang Zhujun called on the public to remain vigilant and avoid participating in high-risk activities, gatherings of people, etc., and if they have shared meals with confirmed patients or engaged in activities involving not wearing a mask, they should pay attention to their physical conditions. She also said that she understands that citizens are tired of fighting the epidemic, but she hopes that everyone will pay attention to epidemic prevention while gathering. Due to the large number of cases, the center will not track every case for the time being, but will only focus on outbreaks in medical facilities, cases in institutions and schools, etc., but the announcement of mandatory testing will remain.
6 Hospital Authority doctors diagnosed following attending wedding banquet
A staff wedding banquet group appeared in the Hospital Authority. Last Saturday (20th), 6 doctors were diagnosed following attending the banquet, including 4 obstetricians and gynecologists from Kwong Wah Hospital, as well as obstetricians and gynecologists from Queen Mary Hospital and the Department of Pathology of Princess Margaret Hospital. One doctor each. Li Liye, the chief administrative manager of the Hospital Authority, said that he understands that employees have personal lives and social relationships, and reminds them that if they inevitably participate in banquets or banquets, they should pay attention to personal hygiene and observe social distancing. He continued that no patients were listed as close contacts and medical services were not affected.
In five more schools, some classes in individual classes have had to suspend face-to-face teaching for a week due to multiple confirmed cases, and 15 elderly and disabled homes have cases. Zhang Zhujun said that it is hard to say how many cases of the outbreak of elderly care homes must be caused by employees, but said that many elderly people do not go out, and the virus may be brought into the care homes by employees who are active in the community. According to the news, from next Wednesday (31st), the regular nucleic acid test will be increased from once a week to once every other day.
More than 14 patients died and 5 were not related to the new crown
The Hospital Authority announced 14 more deaths. 10 men and 4 women were between the ages of 45 and 97. The cause of death was initially determined to be unrelated to the new coronavirus. A cluster appeared in the female ward of the internal medicine department of the Eastern District Hospital, and a total of 6 patients and 4 employees were diagnosed.
Lu Chongmao urges public hospital patients to cooperate in transferring to private hospitals for treatment
In addition, 13 private hospitals in Hong Kong allocated 364 beds at the end of last month to receive confirmed and non-COVID-19 patients referred by public hospitals, with a total of 437 patients. The Medical and Health Bureau said yesterday that the relevant usage was not as expected (see table). Director Lu Chongmao called on public hospital patients and their families to actively cooperate, so that the Hospital Authority might free up space to focus on responding to the epidemic. He also urged private hospitals to speed up the reception process and strengthen Arrangements for weekend and holiday admissions, etc.
As of 5 p.m. the day before yesterday, a total of 167 patients in the HA were hospitalized in private hospitals, including 22 confirmed cases. Li Liye reiterated that the patients to be referred must have been assessed as suitable, and also that they only need to pay the HA fee following the transfer, hoping that they can cooperate and “receive treatment in a relatively comfortable environment.”
Originally published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/local/ba.5 may increase the number of confirmed diagnoses – appeal to the public – be patient – social measures will not be ruled out tightening/335317?utm_source=yahoorss&utm_medium=referral
