30th September 2022 – (Hong Kong) Dr. Edwin Tsui, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, said during a press conference at 3pm today that the epidemic situation has been stable in the past week, with an average of 3,700 local cases and 180 imported cases, accounting for 3 to 5%. Generally, cases can be found 3 days after arrival and the mutated virus strain Omicron BA.5 has accounted for about 85%.
The number of cases reported by schools also decreased, ranging from 405 to 1280 cases per day, involving 230 to 710 schools. Regarding residential care homes, 30 residential care homes have reported cases in the past 7 days.
In addition, in the past few weeks, the number of hospitalised patients has also decreased from 3,000 to 1,700, and the total number of severe patients has also decreased from 100 to 60. Some COVID-19 beds will be used to receive non-COVID-19 patients, and in response to the decrease in COVID-19 patients, the authorities have converted the AsiaWorld-Expo COVID-19 Treatment Centre to a standby facility.
Meanwhile, Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee Ha-yun, said that infected arrivals under the new inbound “0+3” measure can be quarantined at their own expense in hotels or at their own homes if they are not in serious condition. The bureau has contacted 60 hotels that were originally used as quarantine hotels, many of which are willing to accept infected arrivals, and the government will also send letters to more than 1,000 hotels to elaborate on the quarantine measures at their premises.
She said that the new “0+3” measure has only be implemented for 5 days so far, and it is difficult to judge whether the inbound quarantine measure can be relaxed further.
In addition, the circuit breaker mechanism of “return-to-nowhere” cruise has been cancelled. From 6th October, social distancing measures will also be relaxed further. The maximum number of diners per table in restaurants will be relaxed from 8 to 12 and maximum number of persons per table in bars will also be relaxed from 4 to 6 starting 6th October. In addition, maximum number of 240 person will be allowed during banquets instead of 120. However, the rapid antigen test requirements remain unchanged. The new relaxed measures apply to restaurants, fitness centres, beauty salons and karaoke lounges.