Editorial | Mandatory testing of Hong Kong’s high-risk groups key to eliminating coronavirus
- With locally acquired infections rising to worrying levels and a fourth virus wave on the horizon, loopholes must be closed and laws followed for Hong Kong to have any return to normal life
Locally acquired infections of Covid-19 in Hong Kong, particularly those of unknown origin, have risen to worrying levels, sparking concerns of a fourth wave of the disease.
The government has to take decisive action. Consideration of mandatory testing makes sense, although if implemented, such a step needs to be properly targeted at high-risk groups. To be effective, it has to be accompanied by stringent contact tracing and a population that understands the importance of strict adherence to social distancing rules.
Despite 105 deaths and 5,169 infections since the coronavirus emerged in the city in January, there would still appear to be a lack of awareness of how dangerous the disease is.
Although daily infection numbers have fallen considerably since early last month, when there were more than 100 cases for 12 consecutive days, the approaching cooler weather and flu season are cause for fresh concern.
Relaxation of social distancing ahead of a four-day long weekend break last week was followed by double-digit outbreaks at a home for the disabled in Kwai Chung and a bar in Tsim Sha Tsui. A luxury hotel in the latter district has also been evacuated and closed for disinfection and 300 staff quarantined after another cluster of infections emerged.