Hong Kong leader says coronavirus spreading ‘out of control’, after record 100 new cases
HONG KONG (AFP) – The deadly coronavirus is spreading out of control in Hong Kong with a record 100 new cases confirmed, the finance hub’s leader Carrie Lam said Sunday (July 19) as she tightened social distancing measures to tackle the sudden surge in infections.
Hong Kong was one of the first places to be struck by the virus when it was first detected in central China. But the city had impressive success in tackling the disease, all but ending local transmissions by late June.
However, in the last two weeks, infections have spiked once more and doctors fear the new outbreak is now spreading undetected in the densely packed territory of 7.5 million people.
On Sunday chief executive Lam said more than 500 infections had been confirmed in the last fortnight alone, nearly a third of the 1,788 cases since the outbreak began.
More than 100 were confirmed on Sunday, a record daily high for the finance hub.
“I think the situation is really critical and there is no sign the situation is being brought under control,” Mrs Lam told reporters.
Mrs Lam announced new social distancing measures last week, shuttering many businesses including bars, gyms and nightclubs, and ordering everyone to wear masks on public transport. Restaurants were ordered to only offer takeout services in the evenings.
HONG KONG (AFP) – The deadly coronavirus is spreading out of control in Hong Kong with a record 100 new cases confirmed, the finance hub’s leader Carrie Lam said Sunday (July 19) as she tightened social distancing measures to tackle the sudden surge in infections.
Hong Kong was one of the first places to be struck by the virus when it was first detected in central China. But the city had impressive success in tackling the disease, all but ending local transmissions by late June.
However, in the last two weeks, infections have spiked once more and doctors fear the new outbreak is now spreading undetected in the densely packed territory of 7.5 million people.
On Sunday chief executive Lam said more than 500 infections had been confirmed in the last fortnight alone, nearly a third of the 1,788 cases since the outbreak began.
More than 100 were confirmed on Sunday, a record daily high for the finance hub.
“I think the situation is really critical and there is no sign the situation is being brought under control,” Mrs Lam told reporters.
Mrs Lam announced new social distancing measures last week, shuttering many businesses including bars, gyms and nightclubs, and ordering everyone to wear masks on public transport. Restaurants were ordered to only offer takeout services in the evenings.
