Kwai Chung Estate outbreak spreads to five more blocks

Another 30 residents at Kwai Chung Estate tested positive of Covid-19 on Monday as the outbreak spreads to five more blocks. 

According to sources, another 30 residents at the estate tested preliminary positive for the coronavirus, with 22 of them being Yat Kwai House residents.

Five blocks saw their first Covid cases, including two cases at Ha Kwai House, and one case at Chui Kwai House, Luk Kwai House, Pik Kwai House, and Pak Kwai House respectively. 

It means 12 out of 16 blocks in the estate are now embroiled in the outbreak. 

Hong Kong’s health chief Sophia Chan Siu-chee on Sunday said the Omicron cluster at Kwai Chung Estate had now expanded to more than 170 cases, with patients detected from seven blocks in the public housing estate.

Most of the cases – either confirmed or preliminary positive with the Covid-19 virus – were from Yat Kwai House and Ying Kwai House, the two blocks placed under the five-day lockdown.

Speaking on a radio program Monday, respiratory expert Leung Chi-chiu said the lockdowns came a bit late, which put all residents living in the housing estate at risk of infection.

He said the safest way now is for residents there to undergo at least three Covid testings before they were allowed to leave the estate for work.

“If cases there continue to surge or theres another outbreak similar to the one at Yat Kwai House, residents of the housing estate should be prepared for a lockdown or evacuation,” said Leung.

The health expert also said the coming week is crucial for containing the outbreak. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary gatherings, stay home and opt for takeaways rather than dining in at restaurants.