Book Fair Exhibitors Threaten To Pull Out Over Covid

A concern group said on Sunday that around 160 exhibitors at the upcoming Hong Kong Book Fair are considering whether to pull out amid concerns the event will exacerbate the city's current coronavirus outbreak.

The 2020 Book Fair Concern Group said it had spoken to about 200 exhibitors ahead of Wednesday's opening day, and eighty percent of them said they wanted the fair to be postponed.

The group said the majority of the exhibitors said they were considering pulling out if the event goes ahead as planned, even if they lose their deposits.

In a statement, the group noted that medical experts have been calling for the fair to be cancelled for health reasons, citing concerns that the large number of visitors expected could lead to further spreading of Covid-19.

It added that the fair has attracted around a million people in previous years, and any coronavirus prevention measures would require serious self-discipline on the part of visitors.

The group said organisers would have difficulty in monitoring every single visitor, and the infection prevention measures put in place could be in vain.

It again called on the authorities to consider postponing or cancelling the fair to make sure exhibitors and the public are not put at risk.

The group's statement came as the bus company, KMB, announced it was withdrawing from the fair.

The firm wrote on social media that it was disappointed not to be involved this year, but it had to consider the safety of its staff and customers.