Hong Kong patients treated outside amid COVID surge

Dozens of COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong were being treated in beds outside medical centers on Wednesday (February 16), with several hospitals operating at over 100% capacity.

As health authorities reported a record 4,285 confirmed new infections, more than 40 times the level at the start of February.

Medical experts have warned cases could surge to 28,000 daily by the end of March amid worries about high levels of vaccine hesitancy among the elderly.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has also said authorities were unable to keep pace with their testing and isolation mandate.

China has promised to help the city boost its testing, treatment and quarantine capacity, and secure resources from rapid antigen kits and protective gear to fresh vegetables.

Hong Kong has adopted the same 'dynamic zero' coronavirus strategy employed by mainland China to suppress all outbreaks.

China's President Xi Jinping has told Hong Kong's leaders that their "overriding mission" is to stabilize and control a worsening COVID-19 outbreak.

Authorities confirmed nine people have died from the virus in the past 24 hours, including a 3-year-old girl.

Despite the surge, Hong Kong has seen far fewer cases than other similar sized major cities, including just over 200 deaths.

For Hong Kong's residents, the surge in cases comes amid rising fatigue with the restrictions aimed at protecting them from the pandemic.

Borders have been effectively sealed for around two years, and turned the global travel and business hub into one of the world's most isolated major cities.