Covid-19 activity hits one-year high in HK

Covid-19 activity in Hong Kong hit a one-year high, with 81 severe adult cases and 30 deaths recorded in the past four weeks, according to the Centre for Health Protection.

The center’s Controller Edwin Tsui Lok-kin said: “Based on recent local and global epidemiological data, the center believes that Covid-19 has evolved into a cyclical endemic disease."

“The center’s analysis indicated that these active cycles are linked to shifts in dominant variants and waning community immunity.”

Tsui noted that based on historical data, the center anticipates the virus activity will remain at elevated levels for at least the coming weeks.

The health authority urged the public to strengthen personal hygiene and protective measures, and advised high-risk groups to receive inoculations as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases Lau Yu-lung said on a radio program that antibodies can only last for about three to six months, so it is crucial to ensure that the vulnerable group, including those with chronic illnesses and individuals over 80, receive vaccinations to boost their antibody levels and help block transmission.

Regarding the recent cases of children experiencing severe symptoms from multiple viral infections in addition to Covid-19, Lau explained that when the first virus breaches the initial line of defense, it makes it easier for a second virus to invade.

He noted that these cases may be linked to underlying immune deficiencies and cited statistics indicating that about 1 percent of the population has congenital immune function deficiencies.

(Cheng Wong)