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HONG KONG: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday (Dec. 8) that the city will ban restaurant eating starting at 6 p.m. to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases in the densely populated financial hub.
Lam, in his weekly press conference, said the government will also consider additional relief measures for those affected by the latest restrictions.
“The situation is very worrying. This wave is more complicated and more severe than the last wave. The confirmed cases are very scattered,” Lam told reporters.
“If we do not strictly control it, there will be greater risks. This time we will implement repression measures aimed at limiting the flow of foot traffic on the streets.
READ: Singapore and Hong Kong to postpone launch of air travel bubble
The government has already urged residents to stay home and limit gatherings to no more than two people, while most officials work from home.
It has also ordered mandatory testing for workers in nursing homes and facilities for the disabled.
The new measures to be announced will include the closure, once again, of gyms and beauty salons. Lam did not provide details or say when the new measures would take effect.
On Monday, Hong Kong recorded 78 new coronavirus cases, bringing its total to 6,976.
Since November 17, more than 1,000 cases have been reported, only some of which were brought in from outside the city.
Hong Kong and Singapore have canceled a planned travel bubble until next year in response to the surge in Hong Kong cases.
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