A top government advisor in Hong Kong has estimated that 2.5 million Hongkongers may have already been infected with COVID-19.

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung has requested residents to get vaccinated and brace for future waves as ''eradication of the virus will not happen''

He also suggests city could consider easing travel restrictions, with imported cases far below that in the community.

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Hong Kong’s leader said Sunday that the government would consider lifting strict social distancing measures as new COVID-19 infections in the city continued trending downward.

“I wouldn’t promise now that there’s room for adjustment,” Chief Executive Carrie Lam said. “But following a review, we have a duty to account for the findings in this review and the direction we will take.”

“Having gone through the peak that you have seen here ... I think a responsible government should regularly and vigorously review these measures, to see whether there is room for adjustment,” Lam said.

“The COVID situation is still severe although we have hit the peak apparently and there’s a downward trend,” said Lam. “However, from sewage surveillance, we can see there can be a possibility of rebound.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-infections-in-hong-kong-reach-record-high-testing-capacity-to-ramp-up-451091">Also read |&nbsp;Covid infections in Hong Kong reach record high, testing capacity to ramp up</a>

Densely populated Hong Kong has registered the most deaths per million people globally in recent weeks.

But restrictions, including a ban on flights from nine countries such as Britain and the United States, quarantine of up to 14 days for residents returning to Hong Kong, and the closure of schools, gyms, beaches and other venues, have frustrated many.

Hong Kong is in the middle of a massive outbreak, recording over 1 million total cases in the city of 7.4 million. The city has been hit hard, with mortuaries full as they try to cope with a high number of deaths. Hong Kong has so far refrained from a strict city-wide lockdown like those that China regularly imposes to control the spread of the virus.

But new infections in the city have been declining. In early March, Hong Kong reported more than 50,000 new infections in one day. On Saturday, it recorded 16,583 new cases.

Many of the recent deaths are due to a large proportion of elderly people being caught unvaccinated after living in a relatively virus-free city for two years before the Omicron variant emerged.

With future outbreaks seen as inevitable, Hong Kong must make plans to eventually live with the virus, rather than insisting on eradicating all outbreaks, some epidemiologists say.

Mainland China, which has similar COVID policies, is also battling its worst outbreak since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in 2020.

President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China would stick with its zero-Covid strategy but allow for a more "targeted" approach.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A top government advisor in Hong Kong has estimated that 2.5 million Hongkongers may have already been infected with COVID-19. Professor Yuen Kwok-yung has requested residents to get vaccinated and brace for future waves as ''eradication of the virus will not happen'' He also suggests city could consider easing travel restrictions, with imported cases far below that in the community.

A top government advisor in Hong Kong has estimated that 2.5 million Hongkongers may have already been infected with COVID-19. Professor Yuen Kwok-yung has requested residents to get vaccinated and brace for future waves as ''eradication of the virus will not happen'' He also suggests city could consider easing travel restrictions, with imported cases far below that in the community. Hong Kong’s leader said Sunday that the government would consider lifting strict social distancing measures as new COVID-19 infections in the city continued trending downward. “I wouldn’t promise now that there’s room for adjustment,” Chief Executive Carrie Lam said. “But following a review, we have a duty to account for the findings in this review and the direction we will take.” “Having gone through the peak that you have seen here ... I think a responsible government should regularly and vigorously review these measures, to see whether there is room for adjustment,” Lam said. “The COVID situation is still severe although we have hit the peak apparently and there’s a downward trend,” said Lam. “However, from sewage surveillance, we can see there can be a possibility of rebound.” Also read | Covid infections in Hong Kong reach record high, testing capacity to ramp up Densely populated Hong Kong has registered the most deaths per million people globally in recent weeks. But restrictions, including a ban on flights from nine countries such as Britain and the United States, quarantine of up to 14 days for residents returning to Hong Kong, and the closure of schools, gyms, beaches and other venues, have frustrated many. Hong Kong is in the middle of a massive outbreak, recording over 1 million total cases in the city of 7.4 million. The city has been hit hard, with mortuaries full as they try to cope with a high number of deaths. Hong Kong has so far refrained from a strict city-wide lockdown like those that China regularly imposes to control the spread of the virus. But new infections in the city have been declining. In early March, Hong Kong reported more than 50,000 new infections in one day. On Saturday, it recorded 16,583 new cases. Many of the recent deaths are due to a large proportion of elderly people being caught unvaccinated after living in a relatively virus-free city for two years before the Omicron variant emerged. With future outbreaks seen as inevitable, Hong Kong must make plans to eventually live with the virus, rather than insisting on eradicating all outbreaks, some epidemiologists say. Mainland China, which has similar COVID policies, is also battling its worst outbreak since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in 2020. President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China would stick with its zero-Covid strategy but allow for a more "targeted" approach. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 2.5 million people in Hong Kong infected, top government adviser estimates

Hong Kong is observing its 4th wave of COVID-19 infection, and the schools have been ordered to shut for the rest of the year. This is the third time that students have been told to remain at home in this year.

Hong Kong observes 4th wave of COVID-19, imposes strictest social gathering norms

Authorities have warned that citizens have become too lax about wearing masks and social distancing.

Hong Kong bans outdoor dining as it battles new wave of infections

Before the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Hong Kong, the country was up in arms against China over a controversial extradition bill. As COVID-19 cases slow down to a trickle these tensions are flaring up yet again. Watch report.

Scuffle over controversial anthem bill in Hong Kong Parliament: Bill to ban insulting China's anthem

Hong Kong's business outlook hit a record low in February, according to data released on Wednesday, as the coronavirus outbreak added to the financial hub's troubles following months of political turmoil.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-hong-kong-schools-to-remain-shut-until-easter-holidays-282768">Coronavirus: Hong Kong schools to remain shut until Easter holidays</a>&nbsp;

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for the city's economy plunged to its lowest mark since the gauge began, worse than the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the global financial crisis in 2007-2008.

Hong Kong's economy is reeling from the US-China trade war, pro-democracy protests last year and now the coronavirus -- a triple whammy that has created a situation Financial Secretary Paul Chan described as "exceptionally austere" as he delivered his annual budget last week.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-study-says-china-fudged-coronavirus-numbers-278115"> Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers&nbsp;</a>

Chan said the economy is facing "enormous challenges this year", and predicted a range of 0.5 percent growth to a 1.5 percent contraction this year.

The PMI index fell to 33.1, dropping below the previous low in April 2003, according to IHS Markit, whose report added the PMI averaged 39.9 so far for the first quarter.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-today-coronavirus-outbreak-hong-kong-declares-emergency-iraq-protests-and-more-276536"> Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus outbreak, Hong Kong declares emergency, Iraq protests and more</a>

The gauge has been below the 50 level that divides expansion and contraction since April 2018, though it had risen in December and January.

&nbsp;

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Market surveys around 400 private-sector companies in Hong Kong across manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail and services to generate the index. The survey responses are collected in the second half of each month.

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"The latest PMI flashed red warning lights on the dire private-sector conditions across Hong Kong in February amid the coronavirus outbreak, with the headline index plunging to an unprecedented level since the survey started in July 1998," Bernard Aw, principal economist with IHS Markit, said in the report.

"The average PMI so far for the first quarter of 2020 points to a deepening recession, raising the urgency for policy support."

The figures come just days after China's PMI was at 35.7 points in February, well below the 50-point mark that separates growth and contraction every month.

This was down from 50 points in January and the worst level since China began recording the figure in 2005.

It was also nowhere near expectations of a smaller contraction, at 45.0, according to a Bloomberg poll of analysts.

Hong Kong's business outlook hit a record low in February, according to data released on Wednesday, as the coronavirus outbreak added to the financial hub's troubles following months of political turmoil.

Hong Kong's business outlook hit a record low in February, according to data released on Wednesday, as the coronavirus outbreak added to the financial hub's troubles following months of political turmoil. Also read: Coronavirus: Hong Kong schools to remain shut until Easter holidays The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for the city's economy plunged to its lowest mark since the gauge began, worse than the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the global financial crisis in 2007-2008. Hong Kong's economy is reeling from the US-China trade war, pro-democracy protests last year and now the coronavirus -- a triple whammy that has created a situation Financial Secretary Paul Chan described as "exceptionally austere" as he delivered his annual budget last week. Also read: Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers Chan said the economy is facing "enormous challenges this year", and predicted a range of 0.5 percent growth to a 1.5 percent contraction this year. The PMI index fell to 33.1, dropping below the previous low in April 2003, according to IHS Markit, whose report added the PMI averaged 39.9 so far for the first quarter. Also read: Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus outbreak, Hong Kong declares emergency, Iraq protests and more The gauge has been below the 50 level that divides expansion and contraction since April 2018, though it had risen in December and January. Market surveys around 400 private-sector companies in Hong Kong across manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail and services to generate the index. The survey responses are collected in the second half of each month. "The latest PMI flashed red warning lights on the dire private-sector conditions across Hong Kong in February amid the coronavirus outbreak, with the headline index plunging to an unprecedented level since the survey started in July 1998," Bernard Aw, principal economist with IHS Markit, said in the report. "The average PMI so far for the first quarter of 2020 points to a deepening recession, raising the urgency for policy support." The figures come just days after China's PMI was at 35.7 points in February, well below the 50-point mark that separates growth and contraction every month. This was down from 50 points in January and the worst level since China began recording the figure in 2005. It was also nowhere near expectations of a smaller contraction, at 45.0, according to a Bloomberg poll of analysts.

Coronavirus drags Hong Kong business outlook to record low: data

A gang of knife-wielding men stole hundreds of toilet rolls after threatening a deliver driver in Hong Kong, where panic-buying is seen recently due to shortages affected by the coronavirus. &nbsp;

Toilet rolls have become hot property in Hong Kong, despite assurances by the administration that the novel virus has not caused any scarcity.

Police said that a truck driver was held up early on Monday by three men outside a supermarket in Mong Kok. The district is infamous for "triad" organised crime gangs.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-punitive-measures-as-it-races-to-contain-coronavirus-279420">Hong Kong announces punitive measures as it races against time to contain coronavirus</a>

A police spokesman said that toilet paper rolls worth more than HK$1,000 ($130).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-quarantined-in-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-1770-281002">Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770</a>

A police source said that the toilet rolls were later recovered and two suspects were arrested. However, it was not clear if the suspects themselves carried out the robbery.

Supermarkets are often found unable to restock toilet rolls quickly enough, causing lengthy queues and shelves getting empty within moments of opening.

The incident led to amusing and baffling reactions from the Hong Kongers.

"I'd steal face masks, but not toilet roll," a woman said who was passing by the scene of the crime to local TV station iCable.&nbsp;

The city, where 58 coronavirus cases are confirmed, is currently facing a genuine shortage of face masks.

Behind Hong Kong's panic-buying, there is a history of distrust where another deadly disease caused a large number of deaths.

In 20003, some 299 Hong Kongers died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an outbreak that was started in mainland China, who tried to cover it up in the first place.

The coronavirus outbreak also came at a time when Hong Kong was witnessing months of massive pro-democracy protests, which severely criticised the mainland for its authoritarian regime.

However, Hong Kong officials blamed online rumours for the panic-buying and claim that supplies of food and household goods remain adequate.

Social media users also posted photos of proudly stocking stuffing their homes with hoarded toilet rolls.

Calling the robbery a "senseless act", Supermarket chain Wellcome said in a statement that there are sufficient toilet roll supplies to meet the demand.

"The temporary shortage was caused by a sudden and unusual surge in demand."

&nbsp;

A gang of knife-wielding men stole hundreds of toilet rolls after threatening a deliver driver in Hong Kong, where panic-buying is seen recently due to shortages affected by the coronavirus.

A gang of knife-wielding men stole hundreds of toilet rolls after threatening a deliver driver in Hong Kong, where panic-buying is seen recently due to shortages affected by the coronavirus. Toilet rolls have become hot property in Hong Kong, despite assurances by the administration that the novel virus has not caused any scarcity. Police said that a truck driver was held up early on Monday by three men outside a supermarket in Mong Kok. The district is infamous for "triad" organised crime gangs. Also read: Hong Kong announces punitive measures as it races against time to contain coronavirus A police spokesman said that toilet paper rolls worth more than HK$1,000 ($130). Also read: Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770 A police source said that the toilet rolls were later recovered and two suspects were arrested. However, it was not clear if the suspects themselves carried out the robbery. Supermarkets are often found unable to restock toilet rolls quickly enough, causing lengthy queues and shelves getting empty within moments of opening. The incident led to amusing and baffling reactions from the Hong Kongers. "I'd steal face masks, but not toilet roll," a woman said who was passing by the scene of the crime to local TV station iCable. The city, where 58 coronavirus cases are confirmed, is currently facing a genuine shortage of face masks. Behind Hong Kong's panic-buying, there is a history of distrust where another deadly disease caused a large number of deaths. In 20003, some 299 Hong Kongers died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an outbreak that was started in mainland China, who tried to cover it up in the first place. The coronavirus outbreak also came at a time when Hong Kong was witnessing months of massive pro-democracy protests, which severely criticised the mainland for its authoritarian regime. However, Hong Kong officials blamed online rumours for the panic-buying and claim that supplies of food and household goods remain adequate. Social media users also posted photos of proudly stocking stuffing their homes with hoarded toilet rolls. Calling the robbery a "senseless act", Supermarket chain Wellcome said in a statement that there are sufficient toilet roll supplies to meet the demand. "The temporary shortage was caused by a sudden and unusual surge in demand."

Armed gang steals hundreds of toilet rolls as fears of supply shortage grow in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Medical Workers Strike for China Border Closure | WION News | World News Hundreds of Hong Kong medical workers walked off their jobs on Monday, demanding the city close its border with China to reduce the coronavirus spreading

Hong Kong Medical Workers Strike for China Border Closure

Residents in Hong Kong's Kowloon district braved a seven-hour long queue on Thursday (January 30) morning to buy face masks only to discover stores were out of stock amid fears of increasing coronavirus cases.

Hongkongers queue for hours as mask supplies run short