By The SUN
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| The electronic wristband will prevent infected persons from leaving home (AFP photo) |
A new measure aimed at curbing a surge in Covid-19 infections in the city took effect today, Friday.
No less than 12,000 people who are on home isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus are now required to wear electronic tracking wristbands to make sure they do not go out and spread the virus.
The move comes as health authorities reported an additional 3,574 Covid infections, including 216 that were imported.
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The Hospital Authority said a total of 1,082 Covid patients are now being treated in public hospitals, almost 140 more than the day before.
Among them, 23 are in critical condition, including seven who are in intensive care units, while 24 are seriously ill.
Of the imported cases, 76 were detected at the airport, 109 at quarantine hotels, and 31 were newly arrived travelers who had completed their seven-day isolation.
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Among them, 60 had flown in from the
HA’s Sara Ho said five more Covid patients, aged between 65 and 90, had died in the past 24 hours. They all had either cancer or a chronic illness.
Ho said that because of the continuing rise in infections, hospital staff who look after vulnerable patients will be required to undergo two PCR tests each week starting on Monday.
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That’s on top of the daily rapid tests that all hospital staff are required to go through each day, before reporting for work.
The wearing of an electronic bracelet is another way by which health authorities are trying to curb the rise in infections.
Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said earlier this week that based on current trends, the number of Covid cases would double by the coming week.
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The surge is expected to peak by September, when up to 10,000 patients could be admitted to hospitals.
Lo also said that more than 12,000 or 60% of all infected patients are currently undergoing home quarantine. By making them wear the tracking device to make sure they do not go out and spread the virus, Lo hopes to further cut the rate of transmission.
According to a government statement, those who report positive results via online platforms will be given the electronic wristbands along with anti-epidemic kits by relevant government agencies.
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The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will assist with the cases and confirm the activation of the electronic wristbands.
For details, please refer to the "Handbook for Persons Tested Positive for COVID-19". (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/tp_handbook.pdf).
Anyone who violates an isolation order faces up to $10,000 in fines and six months in jail.
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| PADALA NA! |
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