Facilities for storing dead bodies at hospitals and public mortuaries in Hong Kong are at maximum capacity due to a record number of COVID-19 fatalities, the Hospital Authority said on Monday, as officials battle to control a surge in cases. Deaths are climbing because the elderly lack protection via vaccines. Less than a third of those aged 80 or above have had two doses.
One by one, Hong Kong’s government is being forced to move away from key pillars of its strict Covid Zero strategy as a surge in new cases overwhelms the under-prepared health-care system. Patients with mild cases are no longer sent to hospital or isolation facilities as there’s no space; instead they’re asked to stay home until they test negative with rapid antigen tests — which people often need to buy themselves.
The global financial hub reported a daily record high of 34,466 new coronavirus infections and 87 deaths on Monday, health authorities said.
Separately, the city’s Education Secretary said international schools could maintain their original term dates, after widespread confusion over summer school holidays.
School campuses are potentially to be used for testing and isolation centres as part of the government’s compulsory testing plan set to take place in March.
The government said last week that all schools would need to take their summer holidays in March and April, prompting widespread concern from parents and teachers in the global financial hub worried about their children’s mental health and education.
Yeung said the government was aiming for all schools to resume face to face classes after the Easter holiday.
International schools would be allowed flexibility to adjust their schedule.
