Hong Kong divided on 'dynamic zero' COVID-19 policy
Daily infections have surged by more than 40 times since the start of February, and authorities have shut schools, gyms, cinemas and most public venues. Many office employees have reverted to working from home.
Hong Kong has adopted the same 'dynamic zero' coronavirus strategy, employed by mainland China to suppress all outbreaks, but some residents said that approach may not work in the city.
"It's tough to prevent the virus even if you have taken every precaution. It will cost a lot if Hong Kong wants to stamp out coronavirus infections like mainland China. I think the mainland's COVID control measures may not suit Hong Kong," 65-year-old resident Choy told Reuters.
Hong Kong has recorded around 30,000 infections since the start of the pandemic and around 230 deaths, far fewer than other similar-sized significant cities. However, medical experts have warned daily cases could surge to 28,000 by the end of March amid worries about high levels of vaccine hesitancy among the elderly.
