Mandatory Mask Wearing in Indoor Public Places from the 20th
Remote Work for Public Officials and Restaurant Operation Restrictions Extended for Another Week
Carrie Lam: "Additional Measures May Be Implemented"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Hong Kong in a single day reached a record high of 108. Amid the resurgence of COVID-19, the Hong Kong government has strengthened citywide quarantine measures by mandating mask-wearing in public places and extending the closure of restaurants after 6 p.m. for another week.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 20th, 108 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Hong Kong from 4 p.m. to midnight on the 18th. This is the highest number of new cases reported in a single day. Of the 108 cases, only 25 were imported from overseas, while the remaining 83 were locally transmitted, causing the Hong Kong government to be on high alert over concerns of a COVID-19 resurgence. On the 19th, more than 20 additional cases were reported. The cumulative number of confirmed cases currently stands at 1,905, with 12 deaths. This exceeds the 1,775 infections recorded during the SARS outbreak that swept through mainland China and Hong Kong in 2003.
In response to the sudden increase in cases, the Hong Kong government decided to strengthen quarantine measures starting immediately. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, stated, "Hong Kong is currently facing a serious situation," and announced the reinforcement of social distancing policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. First, mask-wearing will be mandatory in indoor public places starting this week. Since a significant number of recent new cases involved people who visited public places such as shopping malls and restaurants, the mask mandate for indoor public spaces was implemented. Violators may face fines of up to HKD 5,000 (approximately 780,000 KRW).
Restrictions on restaurants will also be extended for another week until July 28. Restaurants will be prohibited from operating from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., and during operating hours, a maximum of four people per table will be allowed. Approximately 180,000 civil servants will begin working from home for one week starting today, except for emergency and essential personnel. Universities have also instructed their staff to work from home for a week, excluding essential personnel. Although 52,000 university entrance exam candidates are scheduled to receive their results on the 22nd, the announcement will be conducted online due to concerns over the COVID-19 resurgence.
Chief Executive Lam indicated that the government may implement additional measures if the COVID-19 situation worsens. Currently, medical facilities available for COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong include 1,207 isolation beds and 650 ward beds, with occupancy rates of 68% and 74%, respectively. To prepare for an increase in patients, the Hong Kong government plans to build an isolation facility near Hong Kong Disneyland that can accommodate about 2,000 people. The AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition center near Hong Kong International Airport will be converted into a facility to house mild COVID-19 patients.
The medical community has raised concerns that if the situation prolongs, Hong Kong’s healthcare system could collapse. Dr. Chuang Shuk Kwan of the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection advised, "If the situation continues, Hong Kong’s healthcare system could easily break down. People should stay home as much as possible and avoid going out unless necessary. If feeling unwell, seek medical attention promptly." He also pointed out that "the current COVID-19 strain is more contagious than the one in March."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
