Success Story Hong Kong Reimposes Tough New Virus Restrictions
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published July 15, 2020 | 03:03 PM
Hong Kong reimposed tough social distancing measures on Wednesday -- shuttering many businesses and making facemasks on public transport mandatory -- after a spike in coronavirus cases threatens to undo months of success against the disease
Hong Kong, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2020 ) :Hong Kong reimposed tough social distancing measures on Wednesday -- shuttering many businesses and making facemasks on public transport mandatory -- after a spike in coronavirus cases threatens to undo months of success against the disease.
The finance hub was one of the first places to be struck by the coronavirus when it emerged from central China.
But it had impressive success in tackling the disease with just over 1,500 infections, eight deaths and local transmissions all but ended.
In the last two weeks, however, more than 200 local infections have been recorded and officials believe the virus is spreading again among the densely populated city of 7.5 million.
Health authorities described the situation as "very worrying", with over 70 of the recent local cases having an unknown origin.
Hong Kongers widely adopted facemasks to deal with the epidemic when it first emerged, but from Wednesday they were made compulsory on public transport.
A 70-year-old man was the first to be arrested for not wearing a mask on the city's subway under the new regulations, local newspaper Apple Daily reported.
Those who breach the rules face a HK$5,000 ($650) fine.
"It's a bit too late. It should be regulated at an earlier stage, as it would be safer," a bus driver told local news outlet RTHK.
Other restrictions also applied from Wednesday to many businesses in a city already mired in recession.
Public gatherings of more than four people are now banned, while several businesses -- including gyms, salons, bars, nightclubs and karaoke lounges -- were ordered to close.
Restaurants can seat customers for breakfast and lunch -- with a maximum of four people per table -- but can only serve takeaway food from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am.
"We don't know how the customers will react to the latest restriction yet as many of them might not even want to come out to get take-outs," Ah Long, manager of a restaurant in North Point, told AFP.
The current restrictions will be reviewed every seven days.
Recent Stories
3 Gawadar attack victims funeral offered
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
Usmani felicitates Sardar Saleem on taking oath as Punjab Governor
DC for provision of facilities to people in Lasbela
Solar storm could bring auroras, power and telecoms disruptions
Court grants interim bail to PTI leaders
Ulema, Mashaykh call for political accountability, collaboration for Pakistan's ..
SHRC asks NADRA to issue CNICs to transgender as per law
Flash floods kill 50 in one day in north Afghanistan
CDA chief expresses commitment to promoting modern-day technologies
By wide margin, UN General Assembly votes to back Palestinian bid for membership ..
Musadik slams PTI's political approach as provocative
More Stories From World
-
Endrick in Brazil's Copa America squad but no Neymar
3 hours ago -
Djokovic bottle strike overshadows Rome Open cruise past Moutet
3 hours ago -
Train crash in Argentine capital leaves 30 injured
3 hours ago -
Pandemic agreement talks to continue beyond deadline
3 hours ago -
Chopra falls short in Doha, Bednarek blitzes before Olympics
3 hours ago -
Djokovic struck with bottle from stands after winning Rome opener
3 hours ago
-
England great Anderson's Test career under threat after McCullum talks - report
4 hours ago -
Senegal launches inquiry into Boeing jet runway crash
4 hours ago -
Madagascan leader's former aide jailed in UK for graft
4 hours ago -
Seven killed as bus crashes into river in Russia's St Petersburg
4 hours ago -
Mbappe confirms he will leave PSG at end of season
5 hours ago -
Fresh rains pound Brazil's flood-hit south as evacuations double
5 hours ago