HK will beat Omicron with mainland help: John Lee

Chief Secretary John Lee said on Sunday that he’s confident that Hong Kong can contain the coronavirus and achieve zero Covid with the support of the central government.

Writing on his official blog, Lee said the mainland authorities would help drastically boost the SAR’s ability to test people and isolate and treat those with the virus.

He said this would enable the Hong Kong government to implement a more effective and comprehensive plan to curb the outbreak, slowing transmission of the Omicron variant and reversing the upward trend of infections.

“The virus is Hong Kong’s only enemy now. If we are united without division and internal attrition, we will definitely win the battle with the backing of our country,” he wrote.

He noted that epidemiologists, experts in treating serious Covid cases, and more than 100 testing staff had arrived from the mainland, while construction of 10,000 new isolation units in Penny’s Bay and Kai Tak had started with the help from mainland authorities.

He added that Hong Kong government would turn hotel rooms, new public rental flats and some sports centres into isolation facilities, which could provide another 20,000 units.