Coronavirus: what is Hong Kong doing to curb a potential fourth wave? Exploring new tests, new tech and taking samples of sewage

The government is looking into previously unused pandemic surveillance methods, including testing sewage to identify community outbreaks

However, experts warn that even the most sophisticated measures aren’t likely to do away with social distancing any time soon

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An aerial view of the Kai Tak Nullah, one of the main drainage channels for the Kowloon East area, where experts suggest testing sewage for Covid-19 should begin. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 8:00am, 7 Oct 2020Updated: 1:11pm, 7 Oct 2020

Tracking the new coronavirus has presented challenges to scientists and health authorities, but the technologies involved are maturing. In this last entry in a three-part series, the Post looks at how new methods are being enlisted in detecting future outbreaks in the face of a potential fourth wave of infections later this year.

After spending months on the back foot as wave after wave of Covid-19 infections hit the city, Hong Kong is now trying to get the drop on the virus.

With a potential fourth wave of cases looming on the horizon, the city’s government is currently exploring previously unused pandemic surveillance methods – such as rapid tests, technologically assisted contact tracing and even monitoring the virus in sewage – in an effort to better detect community outbreaks before they spiral out of control.

But even as the public begins to bristle after months of pandemic-related restrictions, health experts have warned that new technologies will not be a silver bullet, and that public vigilance in practising social distancing will remain key to fighting the coronavirus.

Near-empty restaurants are seen at Langham Place in Mong Kok over the weekend holiday. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Hong Kong has long been tracing local transmissions by tracking close contacts of patients and testing high-risk groups, but now the government is considering gathering environmental evidence as well.

A system monitoring the level of Sars-CoV-2 – the virus that causes the disease Covid-19 – in sewage has been set up and tested by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in collaboration with the government, including the Drainage Services Department and Environmental Protection Department.

SCMP Series

Is Hong Kong facing a Covid-19 fourth wave?

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