Coronavirus: Hong Kong social-distancing rules likely to continue, government adviser says, as officials warn beauty parlours could be next to close
- Initial measures were set to expire on April 11, but Dr David Hui believes the need to remain vigilant will see that extended
- A beautician was among those that were confirmed as being infected on Wednesday, and officials said they were monitoring the situation
Social-distancing measures in Hong Kong are likely to continue beyond the initial 14-day period to combat the spread of the coronavirus, a government public health adviser said.
Dr David Hui Shu-cheong made his comments on Thursday at a coronavirus update forum hosted by the Asia Society of Hong Kong, as officials warned beauty parlours could be shut after the government was criticised for not closing them, despite a beautician being among those confirmed as being infected.
Hong Kong closed karaoke lounges, nightclubs and mahjong parlours on Wednesday a day after a small outbreak involving seven customers visiting a lounge had been identified.
The government ordered cinemas, fitness centres and other public venues to shut for two weeks last Saturday – and banned gatherings of more than four people at restaurants. These measures were expected to expire on April 11.
“With the increasing number of cases every week, we need to remain vigilant and continue the social-distancing measures,” Hui, a respiratory health expert at Chinese University, said.