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| The dine-in section of this Jollibee outlet has been roped in, in compliance with the new rules |
The harshest restrictions ever imposed to stop the contagion
took effect as the total number of Covid-19 cases in Hong
Kong topped 3,000. They will remain in force for a week, unless
extended.
The ban on dining in left a number of people grumbling,
especially construction workers and those who don’t work in an office, as they
were forced to eat their lunch outdoors, with social distancing measures kept
firmly in check.
Another measure that took effect today was the wearing of
face masks in all public places, whether indoors or outdoors.
While most people didn’t have problems complying, as masks
have become a way of life in Hong Kong since
the outbreak began in January, those who exercise outdoors, especially joggers,
complained of not being able to breathe.
Not a few were seen taking off their masks, even at the risk
of incurring a summary fine of $2,000, or up to $5,000 if they choose to
contest the prosecution.
The only people exempted from the prohibition are kids aged
2 and below, or those with physical or mental illness.
Those who need to eat, drink, or take medication are also
allowed to take off their masks just long enough to complete the task.
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| A face mask must be worn in all public places, even by those who are exercising |
Previously, mask-wearing was mandated only on public
transportations and in public places such as supermarkets and restaurants where
people stand or sit in close proximity.
Now the ban extends even to building lobbies, parks, malls,
and shops. Office workers can only take them off once they are inside their
workplaces.
Another landmark step that took effect today was the ban on
gatherings of three or more people. The only exceptions to this are members of
the same household who go out together, or share a ride in a car.
The gathering restriction carries a more severe penalty of
up to $25,000 when the matter goes to court, and imprisonment of up to six
months.
From today, other government facilities that were reopened
only recently have been shut down again, including sports centres, tennis
courts, golf courses, and similar places.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Ordered closed earlier were beaches, public swimming pools,
barbecue pits and camp sites.
Also from today, border crossings have been made tighter,
with all sea crew being banned from entering Hong Kong
unless they are loading or unloading cargo. In addition:
1) air
and sea crew must present a negative result for a nucleic acid test for
Covid-19, taken within 48 hours before departing for Hong
Kong ;
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| Tunghayan ang isa na namang Kwentong Dream Love |
2) ship
and plane crew members who opt to have their test taken at Hong
Kong airport need to wait for the result, and then quarantine for
48 hours if they test negative
3) crew
members must not mingle with the local community, and should be transported
from the airport to their hotel on vehicles provided by the airline or shipping
companies.
As part of the tighter border control, all those arriving
from the United States and Kazakshtan must, prior to boarding, present a
negative result for Covid-19, with the test having been carried out no earlier
than 72 hours before the flight.
In addition, they must present a confirmed booking in a
hotel in Hong Kong for at least 14 days for
their mandatory quarantine.
The same restrictions were imposed starting on Jul 25 on
travelers from the Philippines ,
Indonesia , India , Bangladesh ,
Nepal , Pakistan and South Africa
