Hong Kong: Authorities extend social distancing requirements through August 11 /update 37

Event

Authorities in Hong Kong have extended social distancing restrictions in place in efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), until at least Tuesday, August 11. These measures were due to expire on Wednesday, August 5, and include the mandatory wearing of face masks in all public areas, both indoors and outdoors and always on public transportation. According to media sources, this includes individuals engaging in exercise and those smoking. Individuals found to be violating the measure will be subject to a fine. Restaurants and eateries are permitted to provide dine-in services with a 50 percent capacity only and with a maximum of two people per table between 05:00-18:00 (local time). Restaurants are only permitted to offer takeaway and delivery services between 18:00-05:00. Public gatherings of more than two people also remain prohibited. Further, all leisure facilities, including swimming pools, gyms, and sports centers, and all bars, restaurants, mahjong parlors, and other entertainment venues must remain closed. 

As of August 5, there have been 3669 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and 42 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized. 

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.