Hong Kong's COVID-19 activity level is at a high level, experts say it may be due to the emergence of mutated virus strains.

According to the website of Radio Television Hong Kong on May 17th, the activity level of the new coronavirus in Hong Kong is at a high level, with an increase in severe cases in both children and adults. The Chairman of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong, Liu Yulong, believes that the new outbreak of the coronavirus is due to complex reasons, but it is estimated that it may be mainly caused by the mutation of the virus strain, with sewage monitoring showing more cases of the KP.3 virus strain. In addition, from October last year to mid-March this year, the community transmission rate remained at a low level, and even if citizens were infected, they may not necessarily show symptoms or only have mild symptoms. The antibodies from vaccines received by citizens six months ago have gradually disappeared, and as a result, since last month, a certain number of people have been infected and the virus has gradually spread in the community, leading to an increase in patients seeking medical attention at clinics and hospitals. Liu Yulong stated that so far this year, there have been fewer severe cases and deaths compared to the peak period last year, but caution is still necessary because high-risk groups are still facing high risks, and the current vaccines are still effective in preventing severe cases and deaths.