Health Chief Warns Of Covid Spike; Curbs To Stay

The government said on Tuesday most existing social distancing restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 will remain in place for at least one more week as it expressed fears about the local outbreak worsening.

In making the announcement, the Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, said there were signs that the outbreak, which has eased in recent weeks, could take a turn for the worse due to a recent increase in the number of cases that could not be traced.

She also said many people ventured out during last week's National Day and mid-autumn holidays, and the impact of that will need to be assessed.

She said most existing curbs, due to expire on Thursday, will be extended for one more week.

These include limiting the number of people at public gatherings to four; mandatory mask-wearing in all public places; seating no more than four people per table at restaurants and two at bars; and closing bars and restaurants at midnight.

One restriction was eased: Team ice-skating involving more than four people will be allowed.

Chan said the recent spike in cases is a cause for concern.

"Further to the lowering of the number of these cases, it has not continued to decrease but instead it has increased," she said.

"We are very closely monitoring the situation. That's why we want to maintain by and large in the coming week our social distancing measures."

She called on the public not to lower their guard, warning that the coronavirus situation could quickly worsen and another wave of infections could come sooner than expected.

Amid concerns about the possible spread of the virus at bars and restaurants, the health chief said the police and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have stepped up inspection to ensure compliance of social distancing measures. She also said authorities have begun prosecuting 47 eateries accused of flaunting the rules.

And the health minister raised concern about people opting for staycation and gathering in hotel rooms. She said that could also pose a health risk to buffet goers at the hotels.

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