Hong Kong 'overwhelmed' due to latest Covid wave: Carrie Lam

Carrie Lam, the head of the administration in Hong Kong said that the latest Covid wave had 'overwhelmed' Hong Kong. On Monday, the daily cases rose by about 20 times those over past two weeks. This has left hospitals short of beds. The health system is struggling to cope.

"The onslaught of the fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong and overwhelmed the city's capacity of handling," Lam said, adding patients were having to wait longer to access isolation facilities.

"The situation is highly undesirable and the government feels worried and sorry about it," she said.

As the caseload soared, Lam said her administration would coordinate with Chinese officials to tackle the "aggravating situation".

China has said it would help the city with testing, treatment and quarantine, and secure resources from rapid antigen kits and protective gear to fresh vegetables.

Despite the latest surge, deaths in the global financial hub remain far less than similar-sized cities since the pandemic erupted two years ago.

But, with the healthcare system already overstretched, medical experts warn the city could see 28,000 daily infections by the end of March, with the unvaccinated elderly a particular worry.

Hospital beds for COVID-19 patients are already at 90% occupancy, data from the city's Hospital Authority showed, while isolation facilities are near full capacity.

Hong Kong is prioritising elderly, children and those in serious conditions in hospitals, said Larry Lee, chief manager at the city's Hospital Authority.

There are around 1,000 patients waiting to be hospitalised, authorities said on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)