Hong Kong braces for surge in Covid-19 and flu cases

reported that 1.09 per cent of the 8,173 respiratory specimens collected by its laboratory tested positive for the flu last week, an increase from 0.52 per cent in the week of November 10

A woman holds hand of the child at a community vaccination centre, ahead of an expected border reopening with China, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Hong Kong. Reuters

Health authorities in Hong Kong on Friday said that the city may see a jump in flu and COVID-19 cases in January. Hospitals and other medical facilities have begun preparing themselves after the announcement to avoid any 2020-like situation.

In December, Hong Kong recorded a slight increase in flu and COVID cases, the Centre for Health Protection said in a statement, according to a report by SCMP. 

“Although the number of seasonal flu and COVID-19 cases remains at a low level, we have observed signs of a gradual increase,” Dr Kung Kin-hang, the centre’s principal medical and health officer said adding, that based on previous cases, January is expected to see a surge in seasonal flu and coronavirus infections.

What’s driving the surge?

Kin-hang said that the rise in flu and COVID cases is attributed to the cool weather which is making the viruses more active.

“For Covid-19 … we have waves every four to six months, and the last peak was around July. It is not unexpected to have a recent increase," he said.

The centre reported that 1.09 per cent of the 8,173 respiratory specimens collected by its laboratory tested positive for the flu last week, an increase from 0.52 per cent in the week of November 10.

Samples of 7,638 respiratory specimens were collected by the centre this month out of which 0.81 per cent tested positive for COVID last week compared to 0.46 per cent in November.

“The major reason [for the longer flu season] is that the predominating virus [strain] switched from H3 to H1," Kin-hang added.

“If there is a similar situation next year, we do not rule out the occurrence of a long influenza season.”

How is Hong Kong bracing for impact?

The Centre for Health Protection has urged residents to adopt preventive measures and has asked at-risk people who have not been vaccinated to get their shots.

Dr Leung Yiu-hong, the centre’s head of the Emergency Response and Programme Management Branch said that it has opened all of its maternal and child health centres.

Dr. Larry Lee Lap-yip, Chief Manager of the Hospital Authority, announced that special measures would be implemented on Saturday to address heightened demand, noting that emergency rooms at public hospitals were facing increased strain.