Despite doubts, authorities in China and Hong Kong zero in on international mail and hamsters to eliminate Covid threats.
, officials turned to new measures this week that have drawn doubts and dismay from local residents and experts alike.
Marshmallow the hamster plays in a cage before being dropped off at an animal management center Wednesday in the Sha Tin area of Hong Kong.The moves come despite doubts among health experts that the virus can be transmitted via packaging. The World Health Organization has said coronaviruses “need a live animal or human host to multiply and survive and cannot multiply on the surface of food packages.
In a statement, the department said that as of Wednesday evening it had destroyed 69 hamsters, 21 rabbits and seven chinchillas at the Little Boss pet shop, and an additional 861 hamsters, 138 rabbits, 81 guinea pigs, 31 chinchillas and three white mice at its warehouse. Hamsters at other pet shops are expected to be culled within the week. The department also said more than 60 hamsters had been surrendered at its management center.
Hong Kong and mainland China are among the only places in the world still pursuing a “zero-Covid” strategy, enacting strict policies to ensure there are as few cases as possible. China has largely avoided major outbreaks, but continues to fight surges in several cities and is on high alert ahead of the start of the Beijing Winter Olympics in less than three weeks.
This week, state media turned its focus to packages from abroad, with postal workers now asked to wear protective equipment and disinfect international mail.
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