Remain vigilant after Covid reminds us it has never gone away
Just as the devastating Covid-19 outbreak seemed like a distant memory, the Hong Kong public has been rudely reminded that the killer virus has never really gone away. The disturbing headline of positive samples hitting a one-year high, along with 30 deaths in the past four weeks, calls for greater vigilance, especially from those who are weak and vulnerable.
The Centre for Health Protection issued an alert after the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive rose from 6.2 per cent to 13.7 per cent in the four weeks since early April. Positive samples from sewage tests and patients at clinics and public hospitals have also increased.
Thankfully, there are suggestions the coronavirus that once wreaked havoc in the city has become much milder. With most people having either been vaccinated or infected, or both, during the five main waves of the virus between 2020 and 2023, medical experts believe the general public needs not rush for booster shots.
That is not to say Covid-19 infection is now so mild that it can be ignored. While the number of severe cases and deaths did not follow the increasing trajectory of positive samples, there were 30 deaths among 81 severe adult cases in the weeks concerned.
Epidemiological investigations found that 83 per cent of the severe cases involved patients aged 65 or older, with more than 90 per cent having pre-existing health conditions. Earlier, a 17-month-old girl and a 13-year-old girl also became seriously ill. Meanwhile, some first-time Covid patients have also reportedly suffered from strong flu symptoms.
There may be no cause for panic at this stage, but health officials have warned that Covid cases could continue to remain high in the coming weeks. It would do well to stay alert, particularly those who are vulnerable such as young children, the elderly and chronically ill. It is estimated that of those aged 65 or above, some 75 per cent living in homes for the elderly and 90 per cent living in the community are yet to receive a booster.
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