Officers To Be 'lenient' In Enforcing New Closures

Health secretary Sophia Chan told a hastily-arranged press conference on Wednesday evening that a new, mandatory two-week closure of karaoke lounges, mahjong parlours and nightclubs that came into effect at 6pm would not be enforced strictly in the early stages.

Many businesses were left confused for hours in the afternoon after new regulations covering six types of businesses were gazetted at 3pm – as the government ramps up its measures against the coronavirus epidemic.

However, it was left unclear what exactly the regulations were, until the government released a Chinese-language statement just minutes before the ban took effect at 6pm, with an English version following more than an hour later.

This clarified that 14-day bans would be imposed only on karaoke bars, mahjong parlours and nightclubs, while club houses, beauty centres and massage parlours will only be required to take preventative measures such as requiring all visitors to wear facemasks and have their temperatures taken.

Chan told reporters that the statement came so close to the start of the ban because this was a very “time-critical” move taken in the midst of a public health emergency.

“But on the other hand we also understand practically… given such a short time… these premises may have difficulties in terms of closing or preparing [to do so] in the beginning”, she added.

“I think in terms of enforcement… it would be more providing advice”.

Under the new regulation, violators face up to six months in prison and a HK$50,000 fine.

Chan added that the authorities went with a two-week ban on businesses where there is a higher level of “human activity” and are thus considered to be more high risk.

The health chief said officials also considered the sources of infection when deciding on the regulations.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Centre for Health Protection said the two last people of a group that went to karaoke together last week also tested positive for the virus, while a woman who works at a beauty clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui was also infected.

Other entertainment venues such as cinemas, gyms, ice rinks and video game arcades have been closed since Saturday for a two week period.

But almost immediately, the government came under pressure from critics who questioned why places like karaoke lounges were allowed to stay open.