Hong Kong may need to extend social distancing: Expert

HONG KONG, Jul 18, 2020, RTHK. Chinese University infectious disease expert David Hui says the government social distancing rules – which are set to expire on Tuesday – will probably have to be extended, RTHK reported.

Speaking after a radio show on Saturday, Hui expressed concern over the recent spike in cases, noting that the source of infection for nearly 40 percent of the patients confirmed since July 5 could not be traced.

Health officials on Friday reported 58 new cases of Covid-19 in Hong Kong, of which 50 were contracted locally. That’s a reduction on the record 67 cases on Thursday.

Many were linked to the Tsz Wan Shan area, including two restaurant dish-washers, two vegetable sellers, a security guard and five people who ate at restaurants.

The government adviser warned there may be a need to do more to reduce crowds.

“I think we need to allow a few days to see how it goes. If the number of cases goes down – especially the number of unknown cases goes down – then I think the (existing) measures would be effective. On the other hand, if the number of cases is persistently high. then we may have to consider further strengthening public health measures,” Hui said.

This could include having civil servants work from home, Hui said.

“If the government takes the first initiative then more private companies will follow suit,” he said.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong implemented tighter restrictions like requiring all public transport passengers to wear face masks and limiting restaurants to takeaways after 6pm as the city battled a new wave of Covid-19 cases.

Other anti-epidemic measures that have come into effect include closure of 12 types of venues like bars, cinemas, and gyms for a week at least.

The 50-person limit on public gatherings was reduced to four, and face masks became compulsory on public transport.