Stop Social Gatherings For A While: Priscilla Leung

Pro-government lawmaker Priscilla Leung on Thursday called for all activities involving crowds of people to be suspended for two to three weeks, in order to stem the spread of Covid-19.

The Business and Professionals Alliance councillor told an RTHK programme that banning alcohol at bars and restaurants wouldn't be effective enough to avoid people from having close contact with each other.

Leung said the aim is to reduce the number of people gathering in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and this should not be limited to bars and restaurants. As an example, she said, religious gatherings often attract around 100 people.

She also called for law enforcement action against those who don’t wear face masks, saying such behaviour is "irresponsible" and "cruel to others".

Leung also said the government should set aside another HK$30 billion to assist businesses affected by the virus outbreak, but she said her proposal wouldn't mean a hiatus in market activities.

“I believe many industries have already been upgraded with their technology, even trading and others, we have different kinds of internet services to continue trading," she said.

"I order my clothes and food by internet and by telephone," said Leung.

"They might need to think of [different things], and be more flexible in order to reduce people's … face-to-face [contact]," she said.