An elderly man who returned a positive test for COVID-19 in Hong Kong died on Tuesday, the city’s Hospital Authority said, the city’s first death potentially linked with the virus in five months as it struggles to cope with a worsening outbreak. | Reuters
The Hospital Authority said late on Tuesday the 73-year-old patient was chronically ill and had returned a preliminary positive test for COVID during hospital admission screening.
The Chinese territory announced stringent new coronavirus restrictions and record new infections on Tuesday, while a city-wide shortage of vegetables added to the misery as truck drivers who tested positive were unable to bring them from mainland China. The measures, which are the toughest imposed since the start of the pandemic, are taking an increasing social and economic toll on the city’s 7.5 million residents.
About 80% of the city’s residents have had at least one vaccine shot but many elderly people have been hesitant.Authorities are implementing a vaccine pass from Feb. 24, which will require proof of vaccination to enter many places including shopping malls and supermarkets.