Hong Kong Will Immediately Ban Its Citizens From Eating In Restaurants In A New Step To Prevent COVID-19

Carrie Lam (Source: Antara, Reuters / Umit Bektas)

JAKARTA - Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced a ban for citizens to eat in restaurants after 6pm local time. He also announced new measures at a later date to curb the increase in coronavirus cases in the crowded financial center.

Lam, speaking at his weekly press conference on Tuesday, December 8, said the government would also study additional relief measures. The aid is aimed at those affected by the latest restrictions.

"The situation is very worrying. This wave is more complicated and more severe than the last wave. The confirmed cases are widespread," Lam told reporters.

"If we don't control it tightly, there will be a bigger risk. This time we will apply pressure aimed at limiting the flow of pedestrian traffic on the streets, "he continued.

The government has urged residents of the Chinese-ruled city to stay at home and limit gatherings to no more than two people. Meanwhile most civil servants work from home.

The new measures to be announced will include the closure of sports centers and beauty salons. Lam did not specify or say when the new measures would take effect. On Monday, December 7, Hong Kong recorded 78 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 6,976.