According to The Star, Hong Kong residents should expect a quiet Chinese New Year after the government announced the extension of restrictions as the city deals with an increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, many of which have been related to the Omicron strain of the coronavirus.
Gyms, movies, and pubs will be closed, and the no-dining-in after 6 p.m. Prohibition will last until February 3, the third day of the new year.
Gyms, movies, and pubs will be closed, and the no-dining-in after 6 p.m. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)
Flight suspensions will remain until February 14, according to Chief Executive Carrie Lam, while large-scale events like as the annual flower shows will be canceled.
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"I know this will disappoint a lot of people," she said at a press conference. "Covid is still out of control."
She also announced a new relief package for impacted enterprises, stating that the government would release HK$3.57 billion (S$618 million) from the anti-epidemic fund and provide relief as soon as the Chinese New Year begins.
If the situation improves, the government may relax rules for places like beauty parlors starting February 4, Lam said, adding that only individuals who have been vaccinated would be allowed in.
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"I'm hoping for a vaccination percentage of over 80 percent or near to 90 percent... then we might be able to reopen these facilities behind a vaccine bubble," she said.
