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HONG KONG: Hong Kong reported 43 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday (November 21), as authorities further tightened social distancing measures following an increase in infections in the city.
Of the new COVID-19 cases reported on Saturday, 36 were transmitted locally. Thirteen were from unknown transmission sources.
The city had reported 26 new infections on Friday.
Rising infections have prompted authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore to announce that the launch of an air transport bubble between the two cities would be postponed for two weeks. It was supposed to start on Sunday.
READ: Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble Launch Postponed for 2 Weeks Following Rise in Hong Kong COVID-19 Cases
“In light of the recent increase in local cases, we have decided, together with the Singapore government, to postpone the launch of the air travel bubble for two weeks,” said Hong Kong Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau. .
The travel bubble, which allows people to travel between the two cities without observing the quarantine, will be reviewed in early December, Yau told reporters.
“Today’s decision is a responsible decision,” he said.
“I think the most important thing is that any plan is successful, it must meet the conditions to ensure public health and also make sure that both parties feel comfortable and safe with the plan.”
Following the announcement on Saturday, the Hong Kong government said the epidemic situation in the city is expected to “remain serious in the near future.”
“If the air travel bubble launches tomorrow as scheduled, the chances of making an immediate adjustment are high,” it said in a statement on its website.
“The postponement of the inaugural flights is an appropriate and responsible arrangement to minimize the inconvenience caused to travelers in the air transport bubble and reduce the uncertainty in their itineraries.”
LIVE PERFORMANCE, DANCE PROHIBITED
As of Sunday, no live performances or dancing will be allowed in catering venues, including bars, pubs, clubs and discos. Venues that can be hired for social gatherings must also be closed, Hong Kong authorities said in a press release.
The restrictions take effect from Sunday for a period of five days.
“The number of confirmed local cases with unknown sources of infection has been increasing recently, indicating the existence of silent chains of transmission in the community,” said a spokesman for the Hong Kong Food and Health Office.
“In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the increased risks caused by activities carried out without masks, as well as various social activities as shown in recent cases, we are of the opinion that it is now necessary to further strengthen measures of distancing.
“We urge the public to stay home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid going out to dinner and engaging in unnecessary social activities.”
Hong Kong has recorded more than 5,500 confirmed cases and 108 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
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