A review of epidemiology and public health control measures of COVID-19 variants in Hong Kong, December 2020 to June 2021.

ABSTRACT

Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants posed considerable threats to the global public health. We reviewed the epidemiology of variant cases and control measures implemented in Hong Kong. Methods: The epidemiological characteristics and the temporal trend of the COVID-19 variant cases and local clusters in Hong Kong, and the corresponding public health control measures were reviewed. Results: Between December 2020 and June 2021, 393 variant cases were reported, including 153, 59 and 79 cases of Alpha, Beta and Delta variants with no Gamma variant. The vast majority (378, 96.2%) were imported cases. Since early June 2021, Delta variant had taken over Alpha as the dominant strain. Public health control measures, including risk-stratified quarantine and testing requirements for inbound travellers, banning of flights from extremely high-risk areas, enhanced contact tracing and quarantine, were implemented. Among the 3 clusters involving local transmissions, 2 were linked to imported cases while the source of the remaining one was unknown. Discussion: Amid the global surges of COVID-19 variants, Hong Kong had continued to limit and prevent the occurrence of community-wide outbreak. Ongoing control strategies should be constantly reviewed and adjusted in response to the global and local COVID-19 situation.