Coronavirus Overloading the System

Chui Tak-yi (centre) asked people to stop from gathering

Another triple-digit count of 128 cases today, with 103 locally transmitted, and 35 cases had unknown sources. Health officials are warning that the hospital system is being overloaded and reminded people again not to gather in large groups, and instead stay at home as much as possible.

In fact this afternoon on my weekly long walk, I saw police (in groups of four) at the Central ferry piers, Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park, and even Kennedy Town. In some cases they took down notes of people, handed out leaflets, or advised people to social distance.

There are constant reminders to social distance

Meanwhile at piers 9 and 10 there were some yachts bobbing around the area waiting for clients to embark on their junk trips, though these should really be banned for the next few weeks.

But there are serious concerns about Hong Kong's health system being able to handle the surge in positive cases, with some 100 people waiting to go to hospital for treatment.

Health Authority chief manager Linda Yu Wai-ling admitted the situation was "not ideal", saying that there is "great" pressure on the public healthcare system and staff are having difficulties dealing with all the cases.

Perhaps that's a big hint for people to stay at home?

Now four people from here have been infected

Meanwhile at today's press briefing, Undersecretary for Health Chui Tak-yi fielded a lot of questions from reporters, as three more people from the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse were found to be infected with the coronavirus. There were queries if the virus could be passed onto the pork that they processed, and Chui just replied that like other food, the pork should be cooked thoroughly before consuming it.

There were also questions of why the government is only now imposing more restrictions on seamen coming to Hong Kong to board ships. Currently they arrive in the city, take the Covid-19 test, but leave before receiving the results, some of them positive, but there is no way of contacting them because the information they left behind is incorrect.

This loophole will be tightened on Wednesday, but it has taken several days and numerous positive cases from seamen from the Philippines, India and Pakistan for the government to finally clamp down. The same could be said for air crew.

Guy on left from FedEx on Peak Tram

In fact, today someone on Twitter reported they were riding the Peak Tram when an American guy next to him started chatting and said he was a FedEx flight crew member who had just arrived from Boston. He took the Covid-19 test but didn't have to wait for the results and was riding the Peak Tram and planning to eat at Burger King later!

How could that be?!

Absolutely shocking that aircrew are allowed to wander around freely and not stay confined in their hotel rooms.

A spokeswoman for The Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels that owns the Peak Tram was quick on the ball to reply to the tweet, saying the tram was disinfected with diluted bleach after each ride.

Perhaps the government will be grilled about this tomorrow?

But one of the best questions at the press conference directed at Chui was: "If the government is not listening to the advice of health experts, what is the point of having them?"

Chui was probably relieved he could hide his embarrassment behind his surgical mask, but it was a question that had to be asked.

He replied that the government does take their advice into consideration, but kind of left it at that...