Coronavirus Hong Kong: growing untraceable cases ‘will prevent easing of social-distancing rules later this month’
- Insider close to government pandemic advisory committee says the more than 30 unlinked infections for two days in a row is worrying
- HKU Professor Benjamin Cowling warns only way to achieve zero cases is with complete lockdown, which he admits may not be feasible
An insider close to the government’s pandemic advisory committee said that the more than 30 untraceable infections two days in a row was worrying, as they suggested a number of invisible transmissions were taking place in the community.
The source recommended that given the signs of the worsening outbreak, the more people working from home, the better, for one to two weeks to cut off transmissions.
“There is an urgent need to emphasise to the public that social activities must be reduced,” the insider said. “The 30 cases of unknown sources are very worrisome, and the situation means there is no condition to relax any social-distancing measures after the Lunar New Year holiday.”
The government has repeatedly extended the pandemic-control measures, with the latest round set to last until February 17. On Thursday, authorities announced all government employees would work from home from Friday until February 11, while some universities, including the University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University, have advised staff to work from home until the same date, according to internal emails.