'Worsening Epidemic May Disrupt Hospital Services'

Health officials on Wednesday said they are concerned that the epidemic situation in Hong Kong is getting worse, warning that hospital services might have to be adjusted if things deteriorate further.

The Hospital Authority said the number of Covid-19 patients admitted has doubled to more than 800 since early last month, while the number in a critical or serious condition has also gone up.

A chief manager at the authority, Dr Gladys Kwan, said although the authorities have prepared for a deterioration of the epidemic, increasing pressure on the healthcare system may once again force a suspension of some services.

"We'll have an overall observation of the service provision, as well as the overall condition of the patients, so now we are in our central command committee for operation to discuss every day," she said.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection said officials are also worried about re-infection risks for those who have recovered from Covid, pointing out that the proportion of locally infected patients carrying the newer B.4 subvariant has been edging up.

The centre on Wednesday announced 2,672 new local Covid infections, 143 imported cases, and the death of an additional Covid patient.

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