Hong Kong hospitals face 'collapse' as city battles spike in coronavirus cases

 Strict new measures to curb the spread of the virus come into force on Wednesday
Strict new measures come into force on Wednesday
AFP via Getty Images
Imogen Braddick29 July 2020

A large-scale coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong could lead to a collapse of the city's healthcare system, the leader has warned.

The city is battling a worsening Covid-19 outbreak which has infected over 1,000 people in the last two weeks.

Carrie Lam urged people to stay indoors as much as possible to "protect loved ones".

Strict new measures to curb the disease's spread come into force on Wednesday, which will be in place for seven days.

The new regulations ban gatherings of more than two people, eating in restaurants and it makes the wearing of face masks mandatory in public places, including outdoors.

Residents are given three coronavirus testing kits
AFP via Getty Images

These are the toughest measures introduced in the city since the pandemic started.

The Government has also tightened testing and quarantine arrangements for sea and air crew members from Wednesday.

"We are on the verge of a large-scale community outbreak, which may lead to a collapse of our hospital system and cost lives, especially of the elderly," Ms Lam said in a statement.

"In order to protect our loved ones, our healthcare staff and Hong Kong, I appeal to you to follow strictly the social distancing measures and stay at home as far as possible."

Residents keep their distance as they line up for testing kits
AFP via Getty Images

The new measures were announced on Monday after the global financial hub saw a spike in locally transmitted cases over the past three weeks.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong reported 106 new coronavirus cases, including 98 that were locally transmitted.

Since late January, more than 2,880 people have been infected in the former British colony and 23 have died.

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