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HONG KONG: People in Hong Kong packed the beaches, ferries, and outlying islands on Sunday (April 12), many of them violating the ban on gatherings of more than four people aimed at containing the spread of the new coronavirus.
The clear blue sky drew people to popular areas across the territory during the long Easter weekend and many of them did not have surgical masks. People in the city of 7.4 million people have used masks in recent months.
“We always stay home and it’s pretty boring,” said Banny Mak, 24, a local resident.
“We are social animals, we need to go out for fun. I think with adequate protection (for ourselves) and to protect other people. I think it is okay to go out.”
A man rides a bicycle on Cheung Chau Island during Easter weekend in Hong Kong on April 12, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS / Joyce Zhou)
Hong Kong has recorded 1,005 cases of COVID-19, which has killed four people in the city.
It banned public gatherings of more than four people for 14 days starting March 29, after posting the largest daily increase in new COVID-19 infections, and then extended that restriction until April 23.
READ: Hong Kong extends social distancing restrictions to contain COVID-19
Police have been visible at some of the popular sites, though there were no signs or reports of arrests in a city where activists who regularly clashed with security forces last year paused their protests.
While Hong Kong, along with Singapore and Taiwan, have been cited as examples in their efforts to curb the coronavirus, widespread noncompliance with social distancing rules over the weekend threatens to derail the city’s efforts thus far.
A woman takes off her mask while eating for Easter weekend on Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau Island on April 12, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS / Joyce Zhou)
“I was a little scared when I was on the MTR (subway) … there were a lot of people,” said resident Irene Chong, 24. “I’m worried, but I wear a mask and I bring alcohol (disinfectant) and stuff.”
In a Facebook post on Saturday, city leader Carrie Lam urged citizens to comply with social distancing orders in restaurants and said the government will increase checks.
“But the most important thing is for customers to follow the rules. I hope everyone is comfortable eating and goes home early,” he wrote.
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