7/19/2020 Coronavirus: Hong Kong reports biggest one-day rise in cases - BBC News

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Coronavirus: Hong Kong reports biggest one-day rise in cases

3 hours ago

Coronavirus pandemic

REUTERS

Hong Kong has recorded its highest one-day increase in cases since the pandemic
began, the territory's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said.

At a Sunday press conference, Ms Lam said there had been more than 100 new infections,
and announced new restrictions to contain the spread.

She described the situation as "really critical" and said there was "no sign" it was coming
under control.

Non-essential civil servants must work from home and testing will increase.

The chief executive promised that authorities would carry out 10,000 tests a day, and also
made wearing face masks compulsory in indoor public spaces. Face coverings were already
mandatory on public transport.

There were 108 new cases, 83 of them local and 25 imported, the health authorities said.

The announcement comes days after Hong Kong Disneyland shut again, less than a
month after reopening, as the government brought back social distancing measures.

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7/19/2020 Coronavirus: Hong Kong reports biggest one-day rise in cases - BBC News

Authorities closed bars, gyms and clubs last week amid the fresh outbreak and barred
restaurants from allowing diners to eat in past 6pm. These restrictions will be extended.

Hong Kong had seen relatively few cases of coronavirus after imposing rapid and strict
measures at the start of the year to prevent its spread. But there has been a surge in cases
recently, with more than 500 new infections reported in the last two weeks.

In recent weeks, the authorities banned several pro-democracy gatherings, including the 4
June vigil for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, and an annual pro-
democracy rally on 1 July, citing coronavirus and social distancing measures.

However, many feared the police were using the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse for
restricting pro-democracy gatherings, and tens of thousands defied the bans.

In June, China passed a severe new security law which criminalises subversion, secession
and collusion with foreign forces in Hong Kong.

The legislation has been condemned by numerous countries and human rights activists, who
say the law is vaguely defined and erodes freedoms.

However, China has dismissed the criticism and supporters say it is necessary for restoring
order in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's new security law

THE TEXT: What it is and why Hong Kong is worried

WHAT COULD HAPPEN: Life sentences for breaking the law and more

RESIDENTS REACT: 'End of one country, two systems'

PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT: Minutes after new law, voices quit

ANALYSIS: Why people are scared of Hong Kong's new law

Related Topics

Coronavirus lockdown measures Coronavirus pandemic Coronavirus testing

China Hong Kong Carrie Lam

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