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Remain Alert: Covid Persists to Demonstrate Its Continued Presence

Increasing Mortality Rates and Rise in Positive COVID-19 Cases in Hong Kong Warrant Enhanced Safety Measures for Vulnerable Individuals

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In a span of four weeks, Hong Kong has witnessed 30 deaths, while the number of positive cases hit...
In a span of four weeks, Hong Kong has witnessed 30 deaths, while the number of positive cases hit a new one-year high. With such vulnerability, it's advisable for everyone to take necessary safety measures.

Remain Alert: Covid Persists to Demonstrate Its Continued Presence

After a seemingly peaceful period, Hong Kong faces a surge in Covid-19 cases, reminding the public of the lingering threat. With 30 deaths in the past four weeks and positive samples reaching a one-year high, it's essential to exercise vigilance, especially for the weak and vulnerable.

The Centre for Health Protection has sounded the alarm as the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive has risen from 6.2% to 13.7% in the past month. Similarly, positive samples from sewage tests and patients at clinics and public hospitals have seen a significant increase.

Luckily, the coronavirus that once plagued the city appears to have grown less harmful. With most people either vaccinated, infected, or both during the five major waves between 2020 and 2023, medical experts believe the general public doesn't necessarily need immediate booster shots.

However, it doesn't mean Covid-19 infections are now harmless. Although the number of severe cases and deaths didn't spike as much as the positive samples, there were 30 deaths among 81 severe adult cases in the recent period.

Epidemiological investigations revealed that 83% of these severe cases involved patients aged 65 or older, with over 90% having pre-existing health conditions. Previously, a 17-month-old girl and a 13-year-old girl also fell severely ill, while some first-time Covid patients have reportedly suffered from strong flu symptoms.

At this juncture, panic isn't warranted. However, health officials warn that Covid cases might persist at high levels in the coming weeks. It's crucial to stay alert, focusing on the most vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and chronically ill individuals. It's estimated that around 75% of those aged 65 or above in nursing homes and 90% in the community are yet to receive a booster shot.

In terms of variant strains, authorities are closely monitoring virus circulation indicators, such as sewage viral loads and positivity rates of respiratory samples. Public health messaging revolves around booster uptake and protective measures for vulnerable populations, aimed at preventing healthcare system overload. Hong Kong and nearby regions like Singapore are pushing for booster doses, given the wave of increasing infections in both areas.

  1. Emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance, health-and-wellness initiatives in the workplace strive to educate employees about the ongoing risk of Covid-19.
  2. The surge in cases has heightened concerns for vulnerable individuals, such as those with chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological-disorders.
  3. As the new wave of infections persists, public health experts advocate for regular fitness-and-exercise and nutritional practices to bolster the immune system.
  4. The rise in Covid cases underscores the need for comprehensive health-care services that address various medical-conditions, including digestive-health, eye-health, hearing, and skin-care.
  5. Simultaneously, the World Health Organization calls for increased investment in environmental-science to combat climate-change, as air pollution is known to exacerbate respiratory-conditions and weaken the immune system.
  6. Severe Covid-19 cases have also highlighted the importance of men's-health and mental-health, with some studies suggesting that men may experience more severe symptoms and have lower vaccination rates.
  7. To address the recent rise in cases, therapies-and-treatments like monoclonal antibodies and antiviral treatments are being administered to both prevent and treat Covid-19 infections.
  8. Cancer patients, a group particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, are advised to maintain close communication with their medical providers and follow recommended precautions.
  9. Parenting resources emphasize the role of maintaining a regular sleep schedule for children as a means to bolster their immune systems and overall health.
  10. Amidst the wave of cases, cardiovascular-health also remains a concern, with studies suggesting that fatigue, heart palpitations, and heart inflammation can be associated with Covid-19 infections.
  11. As the city grapples with the latest surge, skin-conditions like eczema and psoriasis have reportedly worsened due to stress and decreased access to dermatological care.
  12. In addition to addressing the immediate health threats, the government should invest in preventative measures like vaccination programs, public education campaigns, and resources for vulnerable populations, such as mental-health counseling and elderly care.
  13. As the city recovers from the Covid-19 surge, it is essential for health officials to consider long-term impacts, like the aging population and the rise in non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
  14. To ensure a comprehensive approach, female health issues, including sexual-health and women’s-health, should not be overlooked, as they play a critical role in overall well-being and disease prevention.

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