In Hong Kong, the fourth epidemic wave of Covid-19 is progressing. In an attempt to stem it, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced a series of new restrictions on Tuesday. The objective of the leader of the semi-autonomous territory is to “reduce the number of people in the streets”.
It will now be forbidden to dine in a restaurant after 6 p.m. Gyms will be closed, as will beauty and massage parlors, while officials are invited to work from their homes. Health Minister Sophia Chan said these measures will come into effect from Thursday for two weeks.
Speaking ahead of a weekly meeting with her advisers, Carrie Lam stressed that “social distancing measures must return to the same level” as those taken during the third epidemic wave in July and August. Schools, bars and nightclubs have already closed at the end of November.
A telephone line to report any violation
In case of non-wearing of the mask or of violation of the measures limiting gatherings, the inhabitants are liable from Friday to a fine of 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (532 euros). The authorities have also dedicated a telephone line for residents to report any violation of the social distancing measures put in place.
As of last week, public gatherings cannot exceed two people and restaurants cannot accommodate more than two people per table, compared to four previously. As of the end of January, the authorities had taken measures to combat the spread of the epidemic, by closing schools and borders with neighboring mainland China.
Hong Kong’s approximately 7.5 million residents have been living under varying degrees of restrictions since the start of the year, which have proven effective in preventing a surge in the number of coronavirus cases. The city which, because of its density, fears nothing more than a large-scale epidemic, has totaled less than 7,000 cases and 112 deaths since the start of the year. But in recent weeks, the number of new infections has risen beyond 100 per day, the highest level recorded since July.
Original article by : www.leparisien.fr
