Government 'set To Debate Further Virus Measures'

Widespread reports say an emergency meeting of the Executive Council on Friday afternoon will debate further measures to restrict social gatherings in an effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Reports say Exco may look to limit the number of people joining social gatherings, although a previously announced ban on alcohol sales at bars and restaurants may be rolled back after questions were raised over its effectiveness.

Exco member and lawmaker Regina Ip said she did not want to see the SAR take the kind of radical lockdown measures that have seen people in Britain and some US states ordered to stay at home.

However, speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme, the New People's Party chairwoman said she did see a need for further measures to limit social gatherings.

"For example, I think there have been six cases of foreign domestic helpers being infected," she said. "We've got to do something about congregations of these domestic helpers on Sundays," Ip said.

"We shouldn't just put the blame on bars and people drinking alcohol. Wedding parties, birthday parties, all of these could be the source of spreading of infections. The government needs to work out a more thorough, well-thought-out plan, not just targeting restaurants and bars that sell liquor."

Ip said she would not be able to attend any Exco meetings for the time being and had not been in contact with officials as she was in self-quarantine.