国内英语资讯:With more measures taken, HKSAR govt strives to contain COVID-19 resurgence_时事

国内英语资讯:With more measures taken, HKSAR govt strives to contain COVID-19 resurgence

HONG KONG, Aug. 3 -- Amid a rampant resurgence of the novel coronavirus, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has intensified measures, expanded testing capacity, added quarantine facilities, and sought assistance from the central government to contain the epidemic as far as possible.

Hong Kong has seen a new round of COVID-19 infections in multiple communities since the beginning of July. New cases remained above 100 for 12 days in a row till Sunday. The rapid increase has put Hong Kong's hospital system under great strain.

Expanding virus testing has become a key.

国内英语资讯:With more measures taken, HKSAR govt strives to contain COVID-19 resurgence1

The government introduced a wide-ranging testing scheme late July in virus-battered Tsz Wan Shan Community, offering free testing to residents in the area. At the same time, screening of market tenants, bus drivers and school staff has been stepped up. More than 500,000 people have been tested so far.

The first batch of seven virus testing professionals from the Chinese mainland, members of a 60-strong nucleic acid testing team established recently at the request of the HKSAR government, arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday afternoon.

HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam has given clear instructions on how to carry out large-scale virus testing at a meeting previously.

The advance team has started working with relevant departments here and familiarizing themselves with testing facilities and procedures in preparation for the following large-scale nucleic acid testing.