Is a resurgence of the pandemic looming? Let’s hope not, but worrying signs have emerged

Is coronavirus undergoing a resurgence in Hong Kong? After two friends came down with COVID-19 in two weeks, we began to wonder. But it is reassuring to see both the World Health Organisation and Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection are not waving the red flag over COVID-19. Our CHP is more concerned about dengue fever and mpox, formerly known as monkey pox.

One friend with COVID-19 described it as mild. “I just had a slight cough for three days,” Patrick said. “I had no other symptoms such as the usual fever, sore throat and fatigue.” Gary said the first time he contracted COVID-19 the symptoms were mild, but this time he had been hit with the whole lot. “Pretty bad for a few days, but now I’m better. Should be over it soon.”

Without wanting to be alarmist — nobody wants to go back to the dreadful mid-pandemic days of lockdowns and mandatory masks, a horrid memory — It is a disease that can be serious for some people. Professor Ben Cowling, head of epidemiology at HKU, said to Sai Kung Buzz, “In some severe cases, it’s your own body that puts you into intensive care. COVID-19 disrupts your normally finely balanced immune system and puts it into overdrive, and you’re in trouble.” He also said, “you and I can contract exactly the same disease and have completely different reactions.”

As of this month 7,068,664 confirmed deaths from coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide, according to WHO. There have been 776,470,880 cases, so the death rate is 1.02 per cent. The case number is believed to be underestimated; cases are more likely to total 18 to 33 million. COVID-19 is also known as “Wuhan pneumonia”, because it is believed to have begun its spread from that city after jumping from bats to humans.

Professor Cowling had this advice for the public when we interviewed him about three years ago:

— MASKS: The most effective ones are the Korean KF94. Ordinary surgical masks are only two-thirds effective at protecting you from covid because they are not sealed to your face. The virus can also enter your body through the eyes, so for total protection, you need goggles, too.

— AVOID “THE THREE Cs”: Crowded places, confined areas and close contact for prolonged periods. If a restaurant or nightclub is poorly ventilated, get out of there.

— HYGIENE: Washing your hands frequently is a good idea. Never touch your mouth, nose, eyes or food if you haven’t washed your hands.

The main transmission route for coronavirus is through the air, as aerosol particles. It does not survive for long on surfaces such as door handles and railings. The virus mutates, evolving into many new strains with varying infectivity and virulence. Getting vaccinated is wise: jabs can be had at doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and government medical clinics. We found the Chinese University Medical Centre next to University station pleasant and efficient. The jab caused no pain nor ill effects.