DDHK.ORG - The Covid-19 outbreak continues to worsen in Hong Kong. In this regard, the police have strongly advised Hong Kong residents not to visit the Mong Kok Flower Market.
“We are facing a serious Covid-19 pandemic situation. So for the sake of your own health and that of others, please avoid going to crowded places. If you absolutely must go to the flower market, please avoid peak times during weekends and on January 31," Superintendent Ho Siu-kai said Monday (24/1/2022).
As a precautionary measure against crowds, the police will implement crowd and traffic control measures near the market from Thursday to February 1, the first day of the Lunar New Year. Several streets, including Flower Market Road and Yuen Ngai Street, will be closed to most traffic, starting at 8am on Thursday.
If the area is too crowded, more roads will be closed to vehicles, and people can only enter the market at the intersection of Fa Yuen Street and Playing Field Road. Additional officers will also be stationed in the area to monitor the situation.
“We will consider the existing crowd situation. We don't want to see or have a situation where the flower market becomes overcrowded, which could lead to public safety problems, traffic problems and an increased risk of the pandemic spreading," said Inspector Ho.
Police assess, flower market has increased visitors. One of the reasons is the cancellation of this year's Lunar New Year exhibition.
Authorities have also taken action against roadblocks after several flower shops placed their wares on the sidewalks. “We are aware that the [Food and Environmental Hygiene Department] has carried out a number of law enforcement operations at the flower market in recent weeks with police support. Such operations will continue up to and during the Lunar New Year," Inspector Ho said. [Source: RTHK] [DDHKNews]
