Hong Kong: Gatherings of up to 50 people permitted from June 19 /update 29

Event

Hong Kong authorities announced on Tuesday, June 16, that groups of up to 50 people will be permitted to meet from Friday, June 19, amid the easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. The decision was made following the country recording only small numbers of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced that the government is considering further relaxing COVID-19 restrictions.

A mandatory 14-day quarantine period remains in place for travelers arriving from mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan until Tuesday, July 7. Travelers arriving into Hong Kong from all other destinations will also be obliged to quarantine for a 14-day period, until September 18.

As of June 16, health authorities have confirmed 1113 COVID-19 cases and four associated deaths in the country. 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). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

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.