Stepped Up Hygiene Measures Await Book Fair Fans

Organisers of the annual Hong Kong book fair say they'll put in extra safety measures like asking visitors to cleanse their hands after they flick through books to make the event – which starts on July 15 – as safe as possible.

There'll also be promotions for people who visit the fair at night as organisers try to keep guests spaced out due to the coronavirus situation, and guests will also be required to wear a face mask at all times and go through temperature-screening.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of the Trade Development Council – which runs the event – said he expects the turnout to be down slightly from previous years.

"In the past, normally, the book fair will attract a million people – including 10 percent coming from outside – but we all understand that now we still have the quarantine arrangement for people coming from overseas or from mainland they have to be quarantined for 14 days, so I will expect we will at least eliminate that 10 percent," Chau said.

When asked if politically-sensitive books will be screened out given the looming national security law, Chau said that the TDC won't be censoring any publications on display, but urged exhibitors to exercise "self-discipline".

"I would like to remind all publishers, all exhibitors to participate in our book fair in a lawful manner, meaning that they have to work in accordance with Hong Kong law," said Chau.

He also sidestepped questions on what they would do if books deemed illegal are found at the fair.

The fair will run till July 21.