Surge in cases overwhelms Hong Kong’s bid to contain Covid-19

These public housing units in the Lai King Estate that have yet to be occupied will be designated as quarantine stations (Kin Cheung/AP)

Hong Kong’s leader has said a surge of coronavirus cases is overwhelming the city’s emergency resources but defended strict measures that have been imposed.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the Chinese central government was extending help to the city, which remains a nominally autonomous enclave.