(Fighting New Coronary Pneumonia) Hong Kong's social distancing measures are tightened again, businesses and citizens comply with epidemic prevention regulations
China News Service, Hong Kong, November 16 (Reporter Zhang Xiaoxi) Due to the recent recurrence of the new crown pneumonia epidemic in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has tightened its epidemic prevention measures again, including requiring no more than 4 people at the same table in catering business premises on the 16th.
According to a visit by a reporter from China News Agency on the 16th, most Hong Kong businesses and citizens abide by relevant regulations, and the relevant premises are in good order.
However, in an interview with reporters, some medical experts called for mandatory national testing so that Hong Kong can get out of the “epidemic” as soon as possible.
On November 16, Hong Kong tightened social distancing measures.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Zhihua
The Director of the Food and Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Chen Zhaoshi, pointed out at a press conference on the latest measures for new crown pneumonia on November 14 that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will implement the "Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulations and Instructions) (Business and Premises) Regulations" in Chapter 599F of the Laws of Hong Kong. The instructions and specifications of the relevant ordinances under the "Gazette" stipulate that from November 16 to November 26, the dinning time available in Hong Kong dining premises and bars or pubs will be changed from 5 am to 11:59 pm. There shall be no more than 2 people sitting at the same table in the bar or pub, nightclub or nightclub, and no more than 4 people sitting at the same table in other catering business premises.
At noon on the 16th, the reporter saw in the Shau Kei Wan area of Hong Kong Island that many people in restaurants such as Da Hao Huo and Tsui Wah were going to dine as usual. The shop was almost full at about 12:30 at noon, but there was no more than 4 people at a table. , The overall order is good.
In the evening, the reporter came to the bus station near Beihai Center in Wanchai and saw that there were many people dining in fast food restaurants such as Starbucks and McDonald’s, and there was no more than 4 people for a table; other stores such as noodle shops, porridge shops, etc. Customers choose dine-in.
On November 16, Hong Kong tightened social distancing measures.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Zhihua
At the reliable congee and noodle restaurant on Ke Street, Wan Chai, the reporter found that even if there are three small tables put together and a space for 6 people to sit at the same time, the small tables are separated by partitions.
The waiter surnamed Li told reporters that she has learned about the latest regulations from the 16th that will not allow more than four customers to sit at the same table when dining in the store.
As far as the reporter can see, customers in the store also consciously abide by the regulations.
Mr. Leung, a citizen who ate in the restaurant, told reporters that the epidemic in Hong Kong has returned recently. Although citizens feel a little tired from fighting the epidemic, they will still abide by the regulations.
He also expressed the hope that the epidemic will pass as soon as possible so that everyone can return to a normal life as soon as possible.
Citizen Mr. Xie said in an interview with reporters.
Last week’s social distancing measures still required no more than 6 people in the catering business premises to sit at the same table, so last week he also ate with 5 friends at a restaurant near Wan Chai.
"However, local cases of unknown origin continue to appear, and we must also abide by the regulations. Protecting ourselves is also protecting others."
At about 19:30, the reporter went to Yiu Wah Street in Causeway Bay. There are many bars on this street. When there is no epidemic and the epidemic slows down, you can often see many customers patronizing the bars.
However, on that night, the passenger flow of the bar seemed to decrease compared with usual. Some people drank in several stores and all followed the regulations. There was no situation where more than two people were sitting at the same table.
The picture shows a large number of residents dining in a restaurant in Causeway Bay.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Zhihua
In response, Pan Pei-chuan, a former legislator of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and chairman of the Hong Kong Medical Staff Federation, pointed out in an interview with reporters on the 16th that regarding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s anti-epidemic measures, social distancing measures will be relaxed when the epidemic slows, and tightened after the epidemic rebounds. Patterns of related measures have appeared many times. Many Western countries have adopted similar patterns, but they have not been able to contain the epidemic more thoroughly.
Pan Peiqiu believes that if the epidemic continues, it will have a great impact on businesses, the finances of the SAR government, and the psychology of the public.
Under the current circumstances, Hong Kong should carry out national tests for the new crown virus in order to contain the epidemic as soon as possible, and gradually restore free communication with the Mainland and Macau.
"National testing is for the benefit of all citizens." Pan Peiqiu said that since the epidemic situation in Western countries is still severe, Hong Kong needs to resume normal relations with the mainland as soon as possible. He hopes that the SAR government can consider taking more thorough measures to control the epidemic.
(Finish)