Chief executive Carrie Lam has said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing.

"The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing.

The densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge with thousands of confirmed cases every day threatening to overwhelm hospitals and the city's strict isolation system.

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Lam reiterated the city's "dynamic zero COVID" strategy similar to mainland China, aiming to eradicate any outbreaks at all costs. She repeatedly thanked mainland authorities for their "staunch support."

“Since we have a population of some 7 million people, testing will take about seven days,” she said.

The tests will be spread out over a number of days with residents also having to take multiple rapid antigen tests every day at home in between.

Lam said a flight ban from nine countries including the United States and Britain would remain in place until April 20 with other countries potentially being added to the list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-a-surge-in-cases-hong-kong-to-ramp-up-isolation-facilities-454688">Also read |&nbsp;Amid a surge in cases, Hong Kong to ramp up isolation facilities</a>

Schools and multiple businesses such as gyms, bars and beauty salons will remain closed into late April with education facilities turned into local testing centres.

Lam said the city's vaccination rate should reach around 90 per cent&nbsp;for one dose by March, up from around 86 per cent currently.

"Stay confident and we will see the rainbow," Lam said.

Hong Kong has reported about 5,000 new daily infections since February 15, with the cases threatening to overwhelm its healthcare system. Since the current surge began at the beginning of the year, the city has recorded nearly 54,000 cases and 145 deaths.

The order for citywide testing comes after mainland Chinese authorities dispatched epidemiologists, health workers and other medical resources last week to help contain the outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chief executive Carrie Lam has said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing. "The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing.

Chief executive Carrie Lam has said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing. "The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing. The densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge with thousands of confirmed cases every day threatening to overwhelm hospitals and the city's strict isolation system. Lam reiterated the city's "dynamic zero COVID" strategy similar to mainland China, aiming to eradicate any outbreaks at all costs. She repeatedly thanked mainland authorities for their "staunch support." “Since we have a population of some 7 million people, testing will take about seven days,” she said. The tests will be spread out over a number of days with residents also having to take multiple rapid antigen tests every day at home in between. Lam said a flight ban from nine countries including the United States and Britain would remain in place until April 20 with other countries potentially being added to the list. Also read | Amid a surge in cases, Hong Kong to ramp up isolation facilities Schools and multiple businesses such as gyms, bars and beauty salons will remain closed into late April with education facilities turned into local testing centres. Lam said the city's vaccination rate should reach around 90 per cent for one dose by March, up from around 86 per cent currently. "Stay confident and we will see the rainbow," Lam said. Hong Kong has reported about 5,000 new daily infections since February 15, with the cases threatening to overwhelm its healthcare system. Since the current surge began at the beginning of the year, the city has recorded nearly 54,000 cases and 145 deaths. The order for citywide testing comes after mainland Chinese authorities dispatched epidemiologists, health workers and other medical resources last week to help contain the outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. (With inputs from agencies)

All Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus tests: Carrie Lam

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.

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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