[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] A case of infection with the COVID-19 Omicron variant was confirmed in a Hong Kong subway station, where individuals passed by each other with a 9-second difference, raising concerns.
On the 20th, Hong Kong health authorities announced that after tracing the infection route of a 26-year-old kindergarten teacher, Ms. A, who was infected with the Omicron variant, it was confirmed that Ms. A stayed in the subway passageway at almost the same time as two other Omicron-infected individuals, with a time difference of about 9 seconds. All three were wearing masks at the time, and Ms. A and the two infected individuals walked in different directions.
The health authorities stated that considering the transmissibility of the Omicron variant is 4 to 8 times stronger than the Delta variant, infection can occur even through such brief contact. Dr. David Hui, a pandemic advisor to the Hong Kong government, analyzed, "There was no direct contact between Ms. A and the other infected individuals, but they were in close proximity, and depending on the wind direction, droplets from the infected individuals may have reached Ms. A."
Dr. Hui speculated, "Masks filter out large droplets, but droplets can still reach the eyes, and airborne transmission can occur through gaps on the sides of masks." He also recommended additional protective measures such as wearing glasses or using a face shield over the mask.
The health authorities added that genetic sequencing of the virus infecting Ms. A matched that of Mr. B, who returned from Pakistan and was infected in a quarantine hotel before spreading the Omicron variant to the community.
Ms. A tested positive for the Omicron variant five days after completing a 21-day hotel quarantine and returning home. At least 24 additional infections have been reported since then, including several middle and high school students from different schools. Consequently, Hong Kong authorities suspended in-person classes for middle and high schools starting from the 24th, following earlier suspensions for kindergartens and elementary schools.
Meanwhile, Mr. C, the husband of Mr. B, was identified as a so-called "super spreader," and about 2,700 residents of the rental housing complex visited by Mr. C were ordered to self-quarantine for five days. Authorities explained that after Mr. C’s visit, the number of confirmed cases among residents increased to 20, and these measures were taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.
The area was subsequently locked down, and a temporary testing site was set up in front of the complex. Authorities stated that Mr. C initially concealed his visit to the complex and warned that violating home quarantine could result in up to six months imprisonment and a fine of HKD 25,000 (approximately 3.83 million KRW).
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