HONG KONG - Hong Kong introduced new measures aimed at reducing the local spread of the Covid-19 infection. Including, extreme measures by limiting the number of people allowed to gather in public places, which is only four people.
“The prohibition of more than four people gathering in public places will apply, both indoors and outdoors, for two weeks, starting from Sunday (29/3/2020). For those who violate, they will be fined up to HK $ 25,000 and six months in prison, ”the Hong Kong public broadcaster Radio Television (RTHK) reported.
There is no limit to how many people can gather in personal settings or at work. It also does not apply to public transport, courts, government buildings, Legco or district council meetings, weddings and funerals.
Restaurants were ordered to cut the maximum number of customers they could accommodate at any one time. Namely, as much as 50 percent of capacity, with a limit of four people at each table, and with tables arranged at least 1,5 meters apart.
Theaters, gymnasiums, entertainment game centers and other entertainment venues were ordered to close, starting at 6pm on Saturday (28/3/2020).
The move was announced by Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, on Friday (27/3/2020) evening, following an emergency Executive Council meeting in the afternoon. The government unveiled a new slogan for the crisis at the press conference. Namely, "Stay at home, stay safe" (Stay home, keep safe).
Lam urged companies affected by the new government-announced measures not to fire staff and employees. If the dismissal occurs, it will affect the company's chances of receiving subsidies from the government.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong faces strong pressure to step up efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the Land of Concrete. Because, in recent days, there has been a surge in the number of positive cases infected with the virus in Hong Kong.
At the press conference, Security Secretary John Lee said that since March 19 the police had arrested 77 people who violated orders to self-isolate, and they had been taken to quarantine centers. About 40 offenders were reported by the public and Lee thanked the people who alerted the police.
On Friday (27/3/2020) there was an additional surge of 65 cases of the corona virus. This is the highest number in a day. Friday's additions bring the total number of infection cases recorded to 518, with four deaths in Hong Kong.
[DDHKNews / source: RTHK]
