Researchers from the University of Hong Kong have warned the danger of a second wave of infections is very real based on the Chinese experience.
Their analysis, published in The Lancet, used local Health Commission data of confirmed COVID-19 cases between mid-January and 29 February in four cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wenzhou and the ten provinces outside Hubei with the highest numbers of cases.
“Without herd immunity against COVID-19, cases could easily resurge as businesses, factory operations, and schools gradually resume and increase social mixing, particularly given the increasing risk of imported cases from overseas as COVID-19 continues to spread globally,” co-author Prof Joseph T Wu said.
The research shows even larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai will struggle with a sudden increase in demand for healthcare – even if restrictions were put back in place to bring the numbers of cases back down.
The findings come as Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt hinted the Federal Government could take “early steps” in easing restrictions as new coronavirus cases nationally dropped below 100.
Will they be taking into account this research?
