More Severe Curbs If Situation Doesn't Improve: Govt

Health Secretary Sophia Chan said on Thursday that the government is considering extending its curbs like a dine-in ban and mandatory face masks to more areas if the local coronavirus outbreak doesn't improve.

Chan said that the government isn't ruling out more drastic measures if the situation remains severe.

Hong Kong has seen record surges in Covid cases in the past couple of weeks and some health experts have suggested the city may have to go into a virtual lockdown.

Speaking on RTHK, Chan said the government is closely monitoring the effectiveness of its new rule requiring people to wear masks in all indoor public areas, such as supermarkets and wet markets, as well as transport interchanges.

She pointed out that the requirement does not yet cover outdoors locations, but the government is open to such a move.

The top health official explained that there's better ventilation outdoors, and it may be difficult for people to keep their face masks on when they're working out.

But she added that any decisions to extend the rule will also depend on the public's acceptance of it.

On calls to broaden a ban on dining-in at restaurants in the evening, Chan said the government would consider doing it if eateries get crowded or more restaurant clusters appear.

Chan again appealed to the public to exercise self-discipline, observe social-distancing rules and maintain personal hygiene to combat the health crisis.