The Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has entered the Hong Kong community, causing the fifth wave of the outbreak.
At least four branches of the transmission chain were derived from the "Victorian Garden Dance Group" initiated by the mother of the quarantine-exempt flight attendant. The confirmed cases included a 37-year-old woman who attended Hong Weimin's birthday banquet, and a 43-year-old horse owner who was not on the guest list.
In an earlier case of unknown origin, a 20-year-old female patient worked in the Sogo Department Store in Causeway Bay. Her father was initially diagnosed. After investigation, it was found that it was suspected to be related to the first-generation patient of the Mochizukilou group in Festival Walk, and the 44-year-old flight attendant of Cathay Pacific.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the tightening of anti-epidemic measures, including a two-week ban on dine-in restaurants starting from January 7.
In addition, it has been previously announced that the scope of the "vaccine bubble" will be expanded on February 24 to enter 18 types of premises including restaurants, and citizens must receive at least one dose of the vaccine.
At present, the number of people who have received the first dose of the vaccine in Hong Kong has exceeded 5 million. The center for the vaccination of Fubitai is full of reservations, and the government has extended the operation hours of the vaccination center.
How serious is the Omicron epidemic in Hong Kong?
How is the vaccination status of citizens?
Can vaccine inventories cope with a new wave of epidemics?
What about the latest social distancing measures and dine-in restrictions?
Who are exempt?
The following series of charts answer them one by one.
1. The latest number of confirmed cases
By the beginning of 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong has exceeded 12,000, and many cases of Omicron variant virus have been recorded.
As of the morning of January 11, the "Victorian Garden Dance Group" triggered by the family members of the returning flight attendants temporarily recorded four branches of transmission chains and five generations of transmission, including a 37-year-old woman who attended the same birthday dinner as the official.
The epidemic spread to the officialdom, and 10 senior officials appeared at a birthday banquet for 100 people attended by initially confirmed cases, including the Secretary for Home Affairs Xu Yingwei, who had to be sent to quarantine. , Commissioner of Police Xiao Zeyi, Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Bai Yunliu, Director of Immigration Au Jiahong, etc.
2. The latest vaccination status
Hong Kong has launched a new crown vaccination program in early 2021. By early 2022, more than 5 million people have received the first dose (74.4% of the total population), more than 4.6 million people have received the second dose (69.8%), and another 522,000 people have been vaccinated The third dose has been vaccinated.
As for whether the vaccine stock is sufficient to meet the vaccination demand brought about by the expansion of the "vaccine bubble", according to the records, the Hong Kong government purchased a total of 8.5 million doses of Fubitai vaccine and 7.5 million doses of Sinovac vaccine; it is estimated that there will be a maximum of 227 10,000 doses of Fubitai vaccine and 3.76 million doses of Sinovac vaccine.
3. Vaccination is required for restaurants after Chinese New Year
The government announced that it will tighten a series of measures to prevent the Omicron variant virus, and plans to expand the scope of vaccine bubbles to premises regulated by Chapter 599F, including 18 types of premises such as restaurants and fitness centres, to enter the public after the Chinese New Year. At least one dose of the vaccine is required.
4. Customs clearance arrangements drive downloads for safe travel
In order to cooperate with the customs clearance arrangement with the Mainland, the "Hong Kong Health Code" will accept applications from December 10.
Applying for a health code requires uploading past travel records, which has led to an increase in the number of downloads of "Travel With Peace of Mind", which has exceeded 7 million by the end of December, according to the authorities.
