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With the number of new cases of Covid-19 doubling in recent days, Hong Kong is running out of capacities to deal with the epidemic, the local government admitted, in a statement issued on Monday. “The attack of the fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong and overwhelmed the city’s ability to deal with it,” said leader Carrie Lam, who said isolation facilities were running out of capacity.

In recent weeks, daily infections have multiplied 13 times, from about 100 cases in early February, to more than 1,300 recorded on Sunday. On Monday, TVB estimated that the country could surpass a new record with at least 1,530 new cases of Covid-19. In this sense and anticipation, Carrie Lam posits that “the situation is highly undesirable and the government is concerned and sorry” as restrictions are eased.

With hospital beds occupied at 90%, Hong Kong will receive assistance from China’s central government, which should bring tests and protective equipment to the province in the next few days. The elderly, children and people with other illnesses remain the health authorities’ top priority.

In an effort to stem the spread of new cases, Hong Kong is once again implementing a “Covid Zero” strategy. Until further notice, meeting with more than two people is prohibited. Schools, churches and gyms closed again. Dining in restaurants is prohibited after 6pm and teleworking is once again the norm.