Coronavirus Cases Continue to Rise

Dr Chuang (left) says the Covid-19 situation is very worrying

For the fourth straight day there is a record number of new coronavirus cases which makes the situation very worrying for health officials, and depressing for Hongkongers who had tried hard months ago to avoid the virus as much as possible.

But many were fatigued from working at home for weeks, eating home-cooked food or the stress of being stuck with family members made them want to go out as soon as restrictions were loosened.

Police telling beach goers to stay at home

Today Hong Kong recorded 133 cases, reflecting infections from two weeks ago and it's upsetting to see people weren't taking the virus seriously then.

"We are still seeing a very high number of cases daily and the trend is still increasing," said Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the communicable disease branch of the Centre for Health Protection. "We are very worried about whether this situation can be controlled actually."

Of the cases, 126 were local infections, including 55 with no known source of infection. At least one was from the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse -- which is listed as one of the places people are exempt from quarantine.

One patient, #2099 apparently went wild around town, going to a staggering 16 places on July 22 -- the day she was confirmed positive with the virus.

She went to a restaurant in IFC mall in Central, several locations in Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai. How did she even logistically do that? Just reading the list of places makes me exhausted.

A reporter asked Chuang if it was a delivery person and she said no, someone who had an unusual number of activities. No kidding.

People waiting to get on junks on July 11

Also among the 133 cases, Chuang said the government is now trying to track down over 40 people who went on a junk trip on July 12, as one person was confirmed infected.

Why am I not surprised. Every weekend I walk by Pier 9 and Pier 10 in Central and see several groups of people without masks, waiting to get on one of the boats, or junks they have rented and will spend the entire day in cramped quarters with other people, eating and drinking.

It was bound to happen, and I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier. Perhaps the authorities will stop partying on junks for a while?

The police had to go to the beach today to tell scantily-clad people it was closed and to go home.

Which part of "stay at home, stay safe" do they not understand?