Coronavirus: thousands flock to popular Hong Kong flower market after authorities cancel traditional Lunar New Year fairs
- Mong Kok’s Flower Market Road is packed as locals do their festive shopping ahead of Lunar New Year
- Health chief Sophia Chan says fairs had to be banned as invisible transmission chains of the Omicron variant remain in city
In Mong Kok, Flower Market Road, known locally as fa hui, was packed as locals did their shopping 2½ weeks before Lunar New Year, which begins on February 1.
Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said the popular Lunar New Year fairs had to be banned as invisible transmission chains of the Omicron variant remained in the city.
“The decision to cancel the Lunar New Year fairs was a tough one,” she said. “From a public health perspective, we want to control the epidemic as soon as possible so we cannot hold large gatherings.”
Chan also said the Home Affairs Department and police were working together to monitor crowds in Yau Tsim Mong district, where people normally flock for wholesale flowers and discount goods.
Flower markets are traditionally set up in public parks and on football pitches at Lunar New Year, with thousands of florists and festive goods vendors selling decorations and traditional food.