Coronavirus: Hong Kong on the alert for emerging subvariants overseas such as BA.2.75, but data still lacking, top health official says
- Dr Tony Ko, head of the Hospital Authority, says limited research so far has shown that the response in patients to an infection from mutant strain is similar to that of BA.5
- Hong Kong records 4,900 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, including 295 imported ones, as daily infections begin to steadily rise again
A new coronavirus subvariant emerging overseas could threaten communities in Hong Kong, a top health official has warned, although there is limited data on its severity.
Dr Tony Ko Pat-sing, chief executive of the Hospital Authority, said on Saturday that a few imported cases of Omicron BA.2.75 had been detected, with no local infections so far. But he warned the new mutant strain might spread within the city.
Ko said the clinical response to infection by the new subvariant was similar to that of BA.5, but there was not enough data, adding the authority would pay close attention to the strain.
“We have seen new mutant virus strains overseas … with BA.2.75 found in Singapore. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he said, adding there were also other subvariants emerging globally.
“We have limited data in Hong Kong as to the severity of these cases. But from overseas experiences … in general, the severity and the seriousness [for] patients infected with the new subvariant is roughly similar to the conditions of those who have been infected with the variant of BA.5,” he said.
Ko also said the relaxation of visiting arrangements in public hospitals had led to increased communication between patients and their families, and improved mood and recovery progress in elderly residents.