Consider Cancelling CNY Religious Events: Expert

An infectious disease expert on Tuesday warned that religious activities that attract big crowds during the Chinese New Year could be dangerous amid the pandemic and the government needs to carefully consider whether to allow these events to go ahead.

Joseph Tsang was referring to the traditional event on the eve of the new year, where people compete to be the first to make offerings to the gods at Wong Tai Sin Temple; as well as visits to Che Kung Temple on the second day of Chinese New Year.

There are reports that the government is in discussions with the organisers about cancelling these events or moving them online to reduce infection risks.

Tsang told an RTHK programme that these events might lead to outbreaks if they're not handled properly.

"Crowd control is one of the ways that can be considered. But these events would attract a lot of people. If any confirmed cases appear there, contact-tracing would be very difficult," he said.

On the coronavirus situation in Hong Kong in general, Tsang says he expects dozens of cases to continue to be reported each day this month.

He added that there is little room for the government to further tighten anti-epidemic measures considering the impact on society and the public.

"The only thing that the government can do now is to boost its work efficiency, on testing and the implementation of the anti-epidemic measures," he said.

Meanwhile, organisers have decided to cancel all celebratory activities at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po during the first nine days of the Lunar New Year.

The chairman of the Tai Po Lam Tsuen Rural Committee, Lam Yick-kuen, said the decision is in line with the government's epidemic-control policy.

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