Govt Gets Power To Seal Off Covid-hit Areas

The government now has the power to seal off areas hit by Covid-19 for up to seven days until tests are done on people who are affected.

The Executive Council on Tuesday approved a legal framework that gives officials the power to seal off areas hit by Covid outbreaks.

Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan told a news conference that people would be asked to undergo mandatory testing and stay in the areas until all test results come back.

She said health officials would make risk assessments and determine which areas need to be sealed off and for how long, in order to stop virus transmissions.

“For example, within a certain premises that there are high risks that a number of people are confirmed or suspect to be confirmed cases. And therefore, to issue a restricting testing declaration to restrict the movement of persons into and out of the premises. So basically we want to stop the movement of these persons so that these persons who are suspected to have a risk of transmitting the disease to others would be restricted,” Chan said.

She also said authorities would provide food and basic necessities to those ordered to stay in the areas when necessary.

There have been suggestions by some to seal off Kwai Shing West Estate, which has reported more than a dozen infections among its residents.

Authorities did not rule out such a possibility, but said no final decision has been made.

On tighter government coronavirus restrictions, the health chief said a ban on dine-in services at restaurants after 6pm will take effect on Thursday and last 14 days.

There can be no more than two people at each table, and the overall capacity is limited to 50 percent.

More venues have also been ordered shut during the period, including gyms, beauty salons and massage parlours.

Chan appealed to the people of Hong Kong to avoid gatherings and parties during Christmas as the latest wave of Covid-19 infections shows no sign of abating.

She said mixing between households should be avoided.

“We also would appeal to people not to cross families because this again would increase the risk of transmitting the disease, should someone may carry the virus given there are many symptomatic cases,” she said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam also said the latest Covid-19 curbs were intended to further reduce the number of people going out.

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