Hong Kong tightens Covid-19 measures to stop new surge
Hong Kong, Feb 10 (EFE).- Hong Kong enforced new Covid-19 control and prevention measures Thursday to curb a recent increase in cases in the territory, which to date has vaccinated 83 percent of the population.
Among measures are the closure of hairdressers and places of worship, and a restriction of gatherings for a maximum group on the street or in restaurants.
It is also the first time restrictions have been imposed on private spaces, where only a maximum of two families can gather.
According to new measures, those who have not been vaccinated will not be able to enter shopping malls, supermarkets, department stores and beauty salons, among others from Feb. 24.
Those who breach the measures – such as not wearing masks outdoors or not doing a nucleic acid test if authorities request it – must pay fines of up to HKD 10,000 ($1,283) instead of HKD 5,000 that had been mandated until now.
Massive testing campaigns continue throughout the city, forming queues of several hours in some areas.
“I ask Hongkongers to fulfill their civic responsibility, for themselves, for their families and for the community. We must work together,” health worker Tong Kai Sing told local media.
Since the pandemic began, Hong Kong has registered a total of 17,808 cases of Covid-19 and 215 deaths, according to the latest data provided by the health commissions. EFE
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