'Hong Kong Is Prepared For A Twindemic'

Health authorities said on Wednesday that plans are in place to cope with the upcoming winter flu surge – as public hospitals brace for the challenges from both the influenza and Covid-19.

Maria Leung, Chief of Service for the Hospital Authority's Department of Family Medicine, told RTHK that the consequences of a possible influenza outbreak will be more severe than before, as people in the SAR are less immune.

“Over the last two years there wasn't any winter surge, which means the majority of the public – if they didn't have the influenza vaccination, they probably have no antibodies against the influenza virus,” she said.

Leung added that travellers may also bring influenza viruses to the territory.

The authority's Chief Manager, Michael Wong, told reporters that the HA has already allocated over $790 million to prepare hospital clusters for the anticipated demand surge.

Wong stressed that authorities have prepared for the winter flu surge by bringing in more beds and healthcare staff.

He noted that the HA is currently formulating a plan to deploy experienced staff at Covid-19 infection control centres to relieve pressure on hospitals.