The fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong is now dawning, with confirmed cases hitting a record low for two consecutive days. The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, hosted a press conference yesterday (21st) to explain the progress of relevant anti-epidemic work and officially announce the direction of future anti-epidemic policies.
01
The epidemic is on the decline
Social distancing will not be eased sooner
So far, new confirmed cases in Hong Kong have been curbed slightly, and the reproduction rate of the epidemic has dropped below 0.5%, showing a downward trend. However, as the current epidemic situation in Hong Kong is still severe, social distancing measures will not be eased early until April 20.
02
Central support
Hong Kong's anti-epidemic capacity has improved significantly
With the strong support of the central government, the number of nucleic acid tests in Hong Kong has steadily increased, and now 300,000 tests can be performed every day; rapid test kits are in sufficient supply and have been widely used, and the self-declaration system is operating smoothly; anti-epidemic medical supplies are fully supported by the central government "Anti-epidemic service packs" will be distributed to all citizens of Hong Kong later.
In addition, the measures to support those under quarantine or isolation at home have been gradually improved, and the distribution of "anti-epidemic material kits" has basically been in place. 280 home affairs hotlines, 150 HA hotlines, and 23 designated clinics are fully operational; more than 1,800 taxis and large, medium and large , dedicated fleets of minibuses have been put into service; community isolation and treatment facilities have been greatly increased (square cabin facilities, indoor gymnasiums have been converted into temporary care centers for the elderly); the Hospital Authority has set up hospitals to treat confirmed patients, increasing the number of hospital beds to about 11,500.
Mainland medical teams support Hong Kong and enhance the capabilities of AWE; private hospitals are actively cooperating, providing 1,000 beds to receive non-COVID-19 patients from the HA; the widespread use of oral medicines for COVID-19 reduces hospital admissions and severe cases; Mainland experts visit Hong Kong in batches to provide Valuable opinions and practical suggestions.
03
From April 1st, the ban on flights in 9 countries will be lifted
Since the current regional flight circuit breaker mechanism implemented in Hong Kong is outdated, causing trouble for Hong Kong people stranded abroad, from April 1, 9 countries, Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States, will be cancelled. flight ban.
The scope of application is to all people arriving in Hong Kong from overseas. Overseas countries are no longer divided into groups A, B or C. In the first stage, overseas Hong Kong residents will be allowed to return to Hong Kong. The details are as follows:
? Only Hong Kong residents who have completed the vaccination can board the plane and return to Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents need to take a nucleic acid test 48 hours before boarding and hold a negative certificate; Hong Kong residents need to book a quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for at least 7 nights in advance.
? After arriving in Hong Kong, you need to take a test at the airport. If you are negative, you will be issued a 14-day "quarantine order"; then you will take a special car to the scheduled quarantine hotel. During the quarantine period, a quick test will be conducted every day, and each arriving person will be issued a "quarantine order". Anti-epidemic service package", there will be enough rapid test reagents in it.
? Nucleic acid testing will be conducted on the 5th and 12th days of your stay. Hong Kong residents arriving in Hong Kong who test positive at the airport or in a quarantine hotel will need to leave the hotel, be transferred to a community quarantine hotel, and will be issued a "quarantine order".
04
Face-to-face classes will resume as soon as April 19
"Vaccine Passports" already cover school staff and visitors, with a first-dose rate of nearly 95 per cent for 12- to 19-year-olds. The first-dose vaccination rate for children aged 3 to 11 was 57%.
Local schools in Hong Kong can resume face-to-face classes as soon as April 19 after their original Easter holiday.
Primary schools, international schools and kindergartens are the first to resume face-to-face classes, while secondary schools will resume face-to-face classes after the completion of the core subject examinations for the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. Currently, the goal is to start the examinations on April 22, and there are contingency plans in place.
05
From April 21st
Phased lifting of social distancing measures
Carrie Lam said that the current epidemic situation in Hong Kong is still severe, and although it has passed its peak, it has not yet dropped to a reassuring figure.
Therefore, on the premise that the epidemic shows no signs of rebounding and continues to show a downward trend, most social distancing measures will be lifted from April 21 in three phases over three months, but the most basic measures, including entering the premises, must still be adhered to. Before using "Safe Travel" and showing "Vaccine Pass", cleaning and disinfection of premises, limiting the number of people gathered in public places and wearing masks, etc.
06
Suspend compulsory nucleic acid testing for all people
At the same time, Hong Kong will suspend mandatory nucleic acid testing for all people, but will still consider implementing it if the time is right.
Although the fifth wave of the epidemic has not yet ended, the Hong Kong government has stated that it must stop the epidemic as soon as possible regardless of the cost. When the epidemic is contained, maintain high vigilance and strive for customs clearance with the mainland. As long as the epidemic is under control and traffic resumes, the economic outlook is still good. Difficulties must be overcome with confidence, and everyone will work together to win the battle against the epidemic and revive the economy.
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