Hong Kong to ban all tourist arrivals, weighs halt of alcohol in bars
23 March, 2020
Hong Kong said on Monday it had been stopping all tourist arrivals and transit passengers at its airport and was considering suspending the sale of alcohol in a few venues, joining cities all over the world in the battle to prevent the coronavirus.
Announcing tough new travel restrictions, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the federal government was likely to curb the sale of alcohol at a lot more than 8,000 bars and restaurants, a fantastic move around in a city that never sleeps.
An emotional Lam said many persons became popular their masks in bars and "have even intimate acts if they are tipsy", increasing the risk of cross-infection.
"So, we are going to suggest, as it requires legislative work, around 8,600 restaurants, bars and clubs with liquor licenses to temporarily suspend the sale of alcohol by amending regulations," Lam, who was simply wearing a face mask, told a news conference.
"We are investigating any more measures we are able to do instead of a complete closure of restaurants as we know many Hong Kong residents do not cook at home and frequently dine out."
Alcohol will be accessible in supermarkets and convenience stores over the city.
The town government announced 39 new cases of coronavirus on Monday, 30 of which had a recent travel history, bringing its total to 357. Four persons have died of the disease in Hong Kong.
The measures come two days after the government warned a spike in the quantity of people returning to the spot infected with coronavirus could cause a huge community outbreak.
The ban on tourist arrivals would last for two weeks from Wednesday, with visitors from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan who had travelled elsewhere recently, also at the mercy of the restriction.
Late on Sunday, Hong Kong said it had been investigating 41 instances of men and women violating quarantine, including five persons who could face prosecution. Two had removed or cut off electronic wristbands used to track people, the federal government said.
Hong Kong the other day started using the electronic wristbands linked to an app within its effort to enforce quarantine.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com
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