HK's Fourth Covid Wave Has Yet To Peak: Experts

Infectious disease experts warned on Monday that the current wave of coronavirus infections in Hong Kong has yet to reach its peak, and the situation will get out of control if people do not cut down on social activities.

The head of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, Ho Pak-leung said it was "very worrying" to see an increasing number of untraceable cases, numerous local infections as well as various clusters involving different venues.

“The worst situation for sure hasn’t arrived yet,” he told RTHK's Millennium show.

The microbiologist said the situation is set to take a turn for the worse as it gets colder, and that problems would further mount if people flout social-distancing rules by gathering for Christmas.

“It’s basically impossible to put the fourth wave under control by the end of year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ho said a public housing block in Kwai Chung where 12 residents on the same floor have been infected should be locked down, with all residents tested, and those who have left their homes traced and put into quarantine.

Another infectious disease expert, Leung Chi-chiu, said the government should complete testing on residents in the block within 24 hours, so that they can find out who should be quarantined and who should be put under medical surveillance.

Leung also shared the view that the coronavirus situation in the territory is still worsening, saying if people continue going out for gatherings, holding meetings and working out, it will be impossible to tame the health crisis.