Coronavirus cases linked to Hong Kong bar spark fears in the industry, calls for tougher enforcement of rules
- Two cases linked to a Tsim Sha Tsui bar prompt fears, vigilance in the battered industry
- Nightlife magnate Allan Zeman, meanwhile, has called for bars to be stricter in their enforcement of new rules to avoid further closures
“I immediately told my staff to remain extra vigilant,” he said.
China Secret is located on the third floor of the Lee Chau Commercial Building on Hart Avenue, and was shut on Monday.
Allan Zeman, the biggest landlord in Hong Kong’s famed nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong, said the infections linked to China Secret were “unfortunate”, adding he hoped the virus had not spread to more places.
On Monday, the city recorded 11 new coronavirus infections, pushing the total number of cases to 5,124, with 105 related deaths.
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Referring to reports that there were seven tables of customers on the night the student went to China Secret – suggesting there might have been too many patrons – Zeman said most bars were adhering to the new rules. But in every industry, he added, there were a few “bad apples”, which he hoped would not prompt authorities to shut the beleaguered sector back down.
“If we keep opening and closing industries, including the bar industry, Hong Kong will die,” he said. “I think it is important that the government works with every industry to see how we can be proactive, and that even if we do get a fourth spike again, that we do not have to close.”
Zeman said he believed bars should impose rules ensuring that customers spend no more than two hours in a given venue, and be more strict about customers maintaining social distancing and wearing masks when not drinking.
“If people do not want to do that, then they have to leave,” he said. “The only way is to have stringent measures. This is the only way to survive and keep open.”
For Christina Yaneza, manager of Spades Bar, next door to China Secret, the fear of closing their doors is real.
“We are really worried we might have to close if there is another outbreak,” she says.
Benji Chan and Edmond Leung, patrons of the Old Monk Bar and Grill, said they had not heard about the positive case at the bar across the street.
Chan, a 30-year-old accountant, said the infection risk associated with bars depended on how people conducted themselves inside – for instance, if customers mingled with different groups, rather than just their own.
“If you just hang out with friends, then it is OK. Even with Edmond, we are keeping a bit of distance from each other,” Chan said, as the two friends sat at a table outside.
Office worker Leung, meanwhile, said he would be concerned if the bar were busier and there were people chatting and drinking at the table next to him.
“As long as we maintain social distancing with the tables, then I am not too worried,” he said. “It’s the responsibility of everyone in Hong Kong to wear masks and be responsible.”
