By
The SUN
 |
| Hong Kong is virus-free for the first time in 45 days |
For the
first time in over a month, Hong Kong’s Health Department did not hold its
daily press briefing today, Mar 20. The reason: there is nothing to report, as
no new case of Covid-19 infection was detected in Hong Kong over the past 24 hours.
This is
the first time that not a single case of the coronavirus disease was reported
since Mar 5.
For
nearly a week until yesterday, the number of new cases had remained in the
single digit, sparking hope that the worst is over for the city, and that the
social distancing measures put in place starting Mar 19 could be relaxed.
But
health experts are urging caution, especially since a locally acquired case was
reported yesterday. The patient, a 47-year-old ground crew of Virgin Atlantic
airline, developed a cough on Apr 6 but
continued to work until Apr 17, potentially spreading the virus.
She was
in charge of directing arriving passengers to connecting rides so they could
get to the immigration counters and baggage collection points.
Her
colleagues totaling 69 have been tested, including one who had been admitted to
hospital after showing symptoms. But the source of her infection is still
unknown.
 |
| Some people have begun celebrating, like these wannabe singers at the TST promenade last night, but experts are still urging caution |
Speaking
on an RTHK program, Prof David Hui of the Chinese University said the
government should prioritize tracing the patient’s close contacts to stop the
virus spreading in the community.
Earlier,
Hui also said he expected the government to extend its restrictions on public gatherings,
saying there should at least be 28 days after no new local case has been
reported before one can say the situation has been put under control.
