Hong Kong: Some COVID-19 measures extended until August 25 /update 38

Event

Hong Kong authorities announced on Monday, August 17, that some measures previously implemented due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been extended until August 25 in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Public gatherings of more than two people remain banned while individuals are required to wear face coverings in all public indoor and outdoor areas, as well as on public transportation. Restaurants are permitted to open until 18:00 (local time) and indoor restaurants are only permitted to operate at 50 percent capacity. Non-essential businesses including bars, gyms, cinemas, sports venues, and swimming pools remain closed. Public and private businesses have been encouraged to allow employees to work from home where possible, while social distancing practices must be implemented in working environments.

As of Tuesday, August 18, health authorities have confirmed a total of 4524 COVID-19 cases with 69 associated deaths in Hong Kong. Further spread of the virus is 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.