Hong Kong Hospital Wards Overflow as Omicron Defies Zero-Covid Policies

February 16, 2022

(Wall Street Journal) – As spiraling Omicron cases overwhelm Hong Kong’s health system, officials doubled down on their zero-Covid strategy on Tuesday by commandeering thousands of apartments and hotel rooms to isolate infected residents. Wards at public hospitals have begun to overflow, with reports of children being turned away as pediatric isolation beds ran out. Despite the strain, just a fraction of those being treated or isolated were in critical condition, and Hong Kong officials urged Covid-19-positive residents—previously subject to immediate hospitalization regardless of symptoms or vaccination status—to avoid emergency rooms if their symptoms are mild. (Read More)