Chinese leader Xi Jinping said the “dominant task” of the local government is to control the situation as the city’s “zero COVID” strategy collapses.
Hong Kong is facing the worst outbreak of the epidemic, as it recorded about two thousand infections daily, during this week.
Although the city government has set strict rules, including limiting gatherings to no more than two families, and only those who have been vaccinated are allowed to enter shopping centers, in addition to closing places of worship, barbershops and other businesses.
Healthcare facilities were overwhelmed with patients, and the city’s Caritas Medical Center had to treat some patients in beds outside the building.
The authorities imposed closures on residential buildings where hotbeds of infection are detected, and prohibited eating in public places after 6 pm.
Schools have extended the suspension of classes in person until March 6.