HK In Sight Of Zero Covid Infections: Expert

A government advisor on the pandemic, Yuen Kwok-yung, said on Saturday that Hong Kong was finally in sight of achieving zero infections but that it was crucial people did not let their guard down.

Local Covid infections have remained in single digits in recent days.

Yuen, a microbiologist from the University of Hong Kong, said people needed to stay vigilant over the upcoming Easter holidays.

"I think Hong Kong has finally reach a stage where we have a chance of achieving zero cases and I hope it will remain that way," he said, adding that people should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Yuen said any further relaxation of social distancing measures would need careful consideration, saying if Hong Kong were able to achieve zero cases for 14 days, there wouldn't be any local infections.

The expert was speaking to reporters after inspecting the GO24 Fitness gym in North Point, a location regularly visited by a 38-year-old woman who has come down with Covid-19.

Yuen said the chance of another major outbreak, like the one at Ursus Fitness in Sai Ying Pun, was low, as the North Point gym had more fresh air and it was equipped with two air purifiers.

However, he said there was still a problem with air circulation and the operator had been asked to make improvements.

About four trainers and 24 gym-users have been sent into quarantine.

Authorities are also looking for two neighbours of the patient.