HK Has No New Virus Cases For Fifth Day

Hong Kong has not recorded any new coronavirus infections for a fifth straight day, increasing pressure for an easing of social distancing measures as more and more Hong Kongers want to go out.

The total confirmed Covid-19 cases remain at 1,037, the Centre for Health Protection said on Thursday.

Despite repeated warnings from the Centre that people should go out less and avoid social activities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, more and more people have flooded various rural hotspots to enjoy the first day of the long weekend. Some were seen without a face mask on.

In Lantau Island, long queues were spotted in Tung Chung where people queued for buses to Tai O and Tong Fuk.

A holidaymaker said he believed there would be fewer people in Tai O than Cheung Chau, but still he would avoid eating in a restaurant and be wary of hygiene.

Another group of five said they were bored at home and they wanted to get some fresh air to stay healthy.

In Sai Kung, people waited at the pier for ferries to outlying islands.

People also flocked to Cheung Chau even though the annual bun scrambling competition is not taking place, New World First Ferry said 5,900 people had used its Central-to-Cheung Chau service as of noon - about 50 percent down from last year's festival.