Mainland expert sees HK getting upper hand in Covid battle soon

Hong Kong will get over the ongoing Covid surge under firm support from the central government, says the mainland's top epidemiologist, Liang Wannian.

Liang, head of the Beijing-based National Health Commission's Covid Response Expert Team, vowed to work hard to curb the worst wave of the more than two-year pandemic.

Liang, also a public health professor in Tsinghua University, is the highest-ranking Beijing health official dispatched to Hong Kong.

He is renowned for helping contain Beijing's SARS outbreak in 2003 and Covid situation when it first emerged in Wuhan late 2019.

He headed a five-man expert team which arrived at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday.

They were welcomed by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee.

His team is the third batch of mainland medical experts sent over.

Liang said the central government is highly concerned about Hong Kong's pandemic situation and has urged the whole nation to fully support the local government in the battle.

"We will work closely with Hong Kong experts and fully communicate with them, ensuring Hong Kong implements effective anti-epidemic strategies to safeguard the health and safety of people in Hong Kong," Liang said.

"We also believe that, with the firm support of the central government, the strong leadership of the SAR government, and the unity of Hong Kong society, Hong Kong will be able to win the fight against the epidemic soon."

Meanwhile, the 3,800-bed makeshift hospital built by Beijing in Tsing Yi was completed yesterday and inspected by Lam, Chan and deputy director of the Liaison Office Chen Dong.

Lam said she appreciated the effort of the contractor, China State Construction Engineering Corp, which worked 24 hours a day to build the makeshift hospital in seven days, adding it "created a miracle for Hong Kong."

Lam said: "You also showed China's capability and today is the first victory in the [anti-epidemic] battle."

SAR authorities have not announced its date of service commencement, but sources said the hospital will be operated by personnel from Hong Kong's disciplinary forces.

The facility only has one floor, and each unit is equipped with three beds, some basic furniture, drapes and air-conditioner. Some units, however, appear empty without any furniture. Public toilets have been built at the site.

Another makeshift hospital is in construction on a New World Development land in Fan Ling. Senior project director Jeff Tung Jing-kong expects construction to be completed shortly.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com