By Farah Master

HONG KONG (Reuters] -Hong Kong has a proud record of fighting COVID-19. But, as the Omicron wave is now overwhelming the city, those steps are no longer enough to save lives.

Experts believe that “dynamic zero-COVID,” policies which were used to eradicate the virus in Hong Kong, have led to the present problems. The overflowing hospital is full of patients, while isolation centers are jammed and hundreds wait in the cold parking lots.

A 60% increase in daily infection rates this month has prompted the government to alter its COVID policies. But, the authorities will not stop trying to eliminate the virus. Epidemiologists believe that the impact of zero tolerance will continue for some time.

Hong Kong has a strict policy against pandemics that limits coronavirus infection to approximately 40,000 people with only 259 deaths. This is far less than other large cities. With 5.7 million inhabitants, Singapore is Asia’s rival. It has recorded more than half of a million coronavirus cases and nearly 900 deaths.

Hong Kong officials closed off the border under zero-COVID and admitted coronavirus positive people even though they were not symptomatic. They also isolated people who had close contact with people infected. A patient with little to no symptoms may spend several weeks in hospital before moving to an isolation unit for many more weeks.

The global financial hub allowed most people to live and work without restrictions.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has declared that Hong Kong can not surrender to the disease and said that controlling it “is now paramount” as she seeks public understanding of the problems caused by her policies.

“Elimination was initially the best strategy for Hong Kong,” but is no longer appropriate, said Dr David Owens, a founding partner of OT&P clinic.

“Once the availability of effective vaccines was made available, the anti-covid policy and negative framing adversely affected the vaccination rates, especially among the most vulnerable,” he stated. “It paradoxically increased population health risk by using unscientific messaging.”

On a request from the media for comments on whether zero-covid policies had been a contributing factor to the problem, however, they did not reply.

Since the COVID variant is highly transmissible, authorities are trying to test the public’s patience and healthcare system. They have been subtle in their transition from elimination towards mitigation. Policies are frequently adjusted based upon severity, availability of isolation rooms, and bed availability.

Q-Bomb carriers with signs and symptoms can now be admitted to quarantine centers or at their homes. Contacts may then isolate them.

“INSANE and CRUEL”

However, as the number of infections increases, healthcare is at breaking point.

Some epidemiologists believe that mass testing starting next month won’t be effective without full lockdown of the city, which Lam has already ruled out.

“Zero-COVID can’t last forever,” said Peter Collignon, professor of microbiology at the Australian National University. It can result in poor resource allocation or priorities if you don’t stick to your goal.

Tracing and testing for infection, as well as treatment and quarantine resources, are still directed at all infected individuals, but not prioritising those with high risk groups like the elderly.

Some epidemiologists worry that zero-COVID messages may promote complacency among many of the elderly who are not vaccinated. More than 60% have never been vaccinated. However, 85% of all residents are at least once vaccinated.

Many people are finding it difficult to keep their feet on the ground, as bars, gyms, and beauty salons have closed. Around 990,000 students are not in school. Most people, however, have returned to work from home.

Some analysts predict that the economy will contract in 2015, following last year’s recovery from its longest period of recession. Psychologists warn that economic uncertainty and isolation could lead to a mental illness epidemic.

One 41-year-old woman described the experience as “incredible and cruel” and said that her family had to go through five weeks of quarantine and hospitalization, which included separation from their children.

This is the only place in the world that does this.

Beijing was asked for assistance by Hong Kong. Over 100 million fast tests have been sent from the mainland. The authorities are planning to increase testing and build additional isolation facilities. They also plan on ensuring food supply after the vegetable shortages.

Some experts believe that daily infection rates could rise as high as 30000 by March 31, from the 3,629 reported Friday. This is far more than efforts to expand capacity.

University of Hong Kong Epidemiologists warn that only an expensive and prolonged lockdown could eradicate infections. They warn that while this would restore the city to December’s condition, Omicron could return, creating more chaos.

People who, at the beginning of the pandemic, went above and beyond the government’s recommendations for keeping their loved ones safe have lost faith.

“The government wants to achieve dynamic zero-COVID, which has basically made citizens more troubled and confused, because I believe that no virus can be eradicated completely,” said 39-year-old Hang Tang.