'Our strategy is under control, not the outbreak'

'Our strategy is under control, not the outbreak'

Frances Sit reports

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung says he is sorry for causing any misunderstanding when he told lawmakers this week that the SAR government has the coronavirus outbreak "under control".



His remark drew criticism from medics and microbiologists, and appeared to be contradicted by the Centre for Health Protection which said to be under control, there would have to be no new cases for 28 days after the last diagnosis.



On Friday, Cheung said when he used the words "under control" he was referring to the government's strategy to reduce the spread of the virus.



"I was referring to our strategy... our strategy... our plan to contain the epidemic," he said.



“I might have spoken too quickly and concisely and therefore people may have mistakenly thought that I was talking about the epidemic. I was actually talking about the overall situation, which is being monitored closely."



He added that the virus situation is still severe, and the SAR cannot let its guard down, although he conceded he is not an expert and cannot make scientific judgements on this.



Hong Kong has so far confirmed 68 Covid-19 infections, plus one "probable" case. There have been two fatalities linked to the virus so far in the SAR.