Volunteers wearing face masks deliver supplies to citizens in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, March 10, 2022. (XINHUA)

HONG KONG - Anti-epidemic supplies such as test kits and protective gear are pouring into Hong Kong from the Chinese mainland to support the work aimed at containing the fifth wave of the coronavirus disease, which is now showing a downtrend in domestic infections.

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More than 160 million rapid antigen test (RAT) kits and more than 300 million face masks have been procured along with other essential medical supplies.

At retailers in Hong Kong, RAT test kits are selling at much lower prices compared with February and products are plentiful, checks at chemists and pharmacists, in particular, show.

More than 320 million N95 masks, KN95 masks, and surgical masks, in addition to 32 million items including protective coveralls, protective gowns, goggles, face shields, shoe covers and surgical/examination gloves, have been procured

By February 25, more than 4.6 million tests had been done in the city.

Anti-epidemic supplies have been procured by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau with help from the Central People's Government.

Disinfectants and personal protective equipment, and proprietary Chinese medicines are among supplies that have been gathered.

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More than 320 million N95 masks, KN95 masks, and surgical masks, in addition to 32 million items including protective coveralls, protective gowns, goggles, face shields, shoe covers and surgical/examination gloves, have been procured.

The CEDB said anti-epidemic supplies have been given to underprivileged groups and patients confirmed to be COVID-19 positive. Supplies have been distributed through government departments, the Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link and other local organizations.

By March 3, more than 19 million RAT kits had been received and since then supplies have accelerated.

The HKSAR government has thanked the Central People's Government for donating 600,000 boxes of anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines

CEDB said the Central People's Government is also coordinating with manufacturers to provide supplies to retailers in Hong Kong.

The HKSAR government has thanked the Central People's Government for donating 600,000 boxes of anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines. Most of these medicines have been given through the Food and Health Bureau to residents who are under “restriction-testing declaration”. The CEDB said medicines have been given through the Hospital Authority to COVID-19 positive patients in isolation facilities and those being treated at 18 Chinese medicine clinics. The Home Affairs Department has been given 170,000 boxes for distribution through the Link and other organizations.

The CEDB said the HKSAR will “continue to procure a large quantity of anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines”.

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Also, medicines containing paracetamol for use as analgesics and antipyretics, procured by the task force, are arriving in Hong Kong, CEDB said. They are being allocated to the HA and some will be distributed to patients isolating at home.

More than 1.6 million pulse oximeters have also been received and most have been given to the HA.