Yuan Guoyong: There are more cases of unknown origin in the community to be announced. The fifth wave of the epidemic has technically begun

The variant virus Omicron has flowed into the community, and an invisible transmission chain has appeared. Government expert consultant and Professor Yuan Guoyong of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong said today (5th) that according to his understanding, there are also other cases of unknown origin that have yet to be announced by the government. Maybe the fifth wave has already begun.” He suggested that the government trace the source as soon as possible and do multi-level tracking for the confirmed cases, so that the chain of transmission can be cut off.

Regarding the government's expansion of the "vaccine bubble" on February 24, he believes that the government has taken the first step. He hopes that by then the public has already received two injections, the vaccination rate can also exceed 90%, and then it can imitate the United Kingdom and Singapore against the virus. Coexistence, infects citizens with Omicron, and describes the virus as a "natural vaccine."

Yuan Guoyong also did not violate his words, "There are a small number of elderly or chronically ill patients who are unwilling to get vaccinated. They may have to pass away because of this, but it is impossible to avoid a re-vaccination wave."

▼1.4 Inspection of the closed area of ​​Block 2 of Tsui Ning Garden in Tuen Mun▼

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Yuan Guoyong said on the commercial channel program "Starting on a Sunny Day" in the morning that there was a case of unknown origin in Hong Kong yesterday, and it is still unknown whether the source of the infection can be traced. If it is not found, there is an invisible transmission chain in the community. All cases are genetically sequenced, but Omicron is extremely powerful. According to his understanding, other cases of unknown origin have emerged, describing the current as the "prologue" of the fifth wave. "Technically, the fifth wave may have already begun." I also reiterate that Hong Kong is at a dangerous juncture.

He also pointed out that the government’s primary task is "to find out that the source of the microphone is unknown." He also mentioned that he and other experts had advised the government to "do the fastest multi-layer contact tracing" a year ago. That is, in the shortest time, more than one layer of close contacts must be traced.

▼1.4 Inspection of the closed area of ​​Dongning Building in Causeway Bay▼

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Yuan: Air purifiers and partitions can only reduce the risk of transmission

Regarding the outbreak of the "Mangyuelou" restaurant in Festival Walk, he said that the public does not need to worry too much. He also pointed out that the air cleaners and partitions only reduce the risk of transmission, "it will not be 100% unsatisfied". The situation is the same as K11 Musea last year. The situation of the outbreak is similar, but of the 200 diners this time, only 6 were recruited, and the infection rate was only 3%, which is better than the previous epidemic. You don’t need to doubt that it’s useful. If it’s useful, it’s definitely there.” He also thanked the restaurant staff for their best efforts to prevent the epidemic, but the incident still reflected that the restaurant’s blind spots had poor air flow and needed improvement.

He also praised the Centre for Health Protection for doing a good job this time, "Mangyue Tower has done a good job, but when the number of cases gets higher, can you do it? , I decided to go to the fifth wave, how serious is the burial."

Yuan Guoyong also pointed out that we should minimize gatherings with crowds of people and masks removed. "Our scientists are only the same, so they are the same if they are high-risk." He frankly said that this move will emphasize the livelihood of the entrepreneurial community, so he understands the government. "Like the crew, the government doesn’t know that this exemption is dangerous, but it doesn’t stop it completely? The reason is that it has other considerations, such as economic considerations. As far as it is not our opinion, it is up to him to decide what is the best for Hong Kong."

Worries about maintaining zero but the vaccination rate is too low

However, he emphasized that after more and more cases have emerged in the community, he must consider suspension of classes and no meals. "I don’t want to scare everyone. The problem is that everyone will continue to maintain the clearing policy, but myself I feel that for the time being, you have to maintain it because your vaccination rate is too low." He once again urged the public to get injections. Only when the vaccination rate exceeds 90% can social distancing measures be relaxed.

After Yuan Guoyong proposed the "vaccine passport" earlier, the government announced yesterday that starting from the 24th of next month, the vaccine bubble will be expanded to all restaurants, karaoke and other places.

He expressed the hope that the public would have received two doses of the vaccine by then. "But I may not be able to get two doses at home, but it is better than a single dose at the beginning." If the vaccination rate can be broken through 9 in the UK and Singapore. Omicron infection can become a "natural vaccine." "This vaccine is basically the nasal spray vaccine that we want to achieve, because all are transmitted through the air, so the mucous membrane is protected, so it’s good Natural vaccines can be spread in the community.” He also said that although he has been criticized by the public, he still has to reiterate that “a small number of elderly people or chronically ill patients who are unwilling to be vaccinated may have to pass away because of the possibility of death. It’s impossible to avoid a re-vaccination wave.”

▼Location of Community Vaccination Center (from January 1, 2022)▼

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Hong Fanyi, a clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, also stated on a program in Hong Kong and Taiwan that the emergence of multi-generational transmission and cases of unknown origin in society indicate that the fifth wave of epidemics may have arrived. The government should trace close contacts as soon as possible, describing the next few days as the key.

He also pointed out that the government should tighten social distancing measures in the next few days, including tightening dining halls to 4 people per table, and restricting the flow of people in public facilities, and classes may also be suspended.

Regarding the government’s announcement that it will expand the "vaccine bubble" at the end of next month, he said that it is appropriate to schedule the "vaccine bubble" on February 24. Injecting stations, etc., shorten the queue time to encourage citizens to get the first injection. It is expected that the Hong Kong government will tighten relevant measures by mid-March, including increasing regulated premises, and citizens will also have to get two injections by May. To be extended to hit all 3 stitches.

He also suggested that the government arrange for the third shot of young people as soon as possible and lower the age of vaccination to 5 years old.

▼A long queue at the Vaccination Center of Guanyong Gymnasium on January 4▼

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Omicron | The Ocean Spectrum has returned to the entire ship this morning to force inspections of passengers on board: For the time being, it is considered calm that foreign domestic helpers are infected with the epidemic or are now "Victoria Park Dancing Group". Compulsory testing for undiagnosed persons in Dongning Building and Gaowei Building in Causeway Bay | 56 places on the list include Victoria Park, West Kowloon Cultural District M+ and Tuen Mun Town Plaza AEON