China's Xi sets Hong Kong's leaders 'overriding mission' to control Covid

[HONG KONG] China's President Xi Jinping has told Hong Kong's leaders that their "overriding mission" was to stabilise and control a worsening Covid-19 outbreak, media reported on Wednesday (Feb 16) as a fast rising wave of infections overwhelmed authorities.

The directive ramps up pressure on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam a day after she said her government's response to the outbreak had been unsatisfactory, with hospitals and medical staff unable to cope.

Xi instructed Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng to relay to Lam his "concern about the pandemic situation" and his care for local residents, according to front page stories in newspapers Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung Pao.

Health authorities in the global financial hub reported a record 1,619 confirmed new infections on Tuesday, and another 5,400 preliminary positive cases. The daily tally of Covid infections is now more than 20 times the level at the start of February, and worse is to come.

Broadcaster TVB said at least 4,285 new infections are expected to be reported on Wednesday, more than double the previous record, and there are another 3,000 preliminary positive tests.

Xi said the government "must mobilise all power and resources to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of the Hong Kong people and ensure the stability of the society", according to the newspapers.

Both media, which typically support Beijing's interests in Hong Kong, said Xi made the remarks recently but did not specify where he was speaking.

Local authorities must "firmly implement Xi's instructions", the papers said, adding that Beijing has set up a cooperation mechanism to ensure coordination.

Lam, who has not confirmed whether she will seek another 5-year term as head of the Chinese-ruled city, said she could "not preclude" the possibility of postponing next month's chief executive election.

No heavyweight contender has yet declared their candidacy, a highly unusual situation just 5 weeks before an election.

Hong Kong has adopted the same "dynamic zero" coronavirus strategy, employed by mainland China to suppress all outbreaks.

But the speed of the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus has left authorities floundering, with Lam saying they can no longer keep up with testing and isolation mandates.

Dozens of patients were being treated in makeshift open air spaces outside medical centres on Tuesday as several hospitals operated at over 100 per cent capacity. Over 12,000 infected patients are waiting to be hospitalised, local broadcaster Cable reported on Wednesday.

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

FATIGUE

Hong Kong has recorded around 26,000 infections since the start of the pandemic, including just over 200 deaths, far fewer than other similar sized major cities.

However, medical experts have warned cases could surge to 28,000 daily by the end of March amid worries about high levels of vaccine hesitancy among the elderly.

For Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents, the surge in cases comes amid rising fatigue with the restrictions aimed at protecting them from the pandemic.

Borders have been effectively sealed for around 2 years, and turned the global travel and business hub into one of the world's most isolated major cities.

Venues from churches, pubs, schools and gyms remain shut with public gatherings of more than two people banned. Dining in restaurants is not allowed after 6 pm, while most people are working from home.

Scores of businesses have been forced to close due to the ongoing restrictions with 2 cinemas shutting shop this week.

Industry executives say many businesses cannot continue with financial buffers already depleted from closures over the past 2 years and anti-government protests in 2019. REUTERS