What's the government response timeline for Hong Kong?

From January 3 onwards, additional thermal imaging systems will be put in place in the Hong Kong International Airport for checking body temperature of inbound travellers from Wuhan. Health surveillance measures adopted at boundary control point at West Kowloon Station of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link include the provision of health information, body temperature checks on inbound travellers by the thermal imaging system and following up on travellers with fevers. Sources: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/02/P2020010200831.htm ; https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/03/P2020010300759.htm

Government launches Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/04/P2020010400179.htm

Additional thermal imaging systems were put in place in the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the XRL for checking body temperature of travellers with increased frequency of random checking. Fever patients with acute respiratory symptoms who had visited Wuhan within 14 days prior to the onset of the illness will be immediately referred to public hospitals for isolation, treatment and follow-up. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/06/P2020010600912.htm

A dedicated webpage (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html) has been set up to provide relevant information and health advice. To address the public's concern, the CHP will announce the details of cases fulfilling the reporting criteria (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/enhanced_sur_pneumonia_wuhan_eng.pdf) on the above webpage daily to enhance transparency. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/11/P2020011100233.htm

The Hospital has implemented the "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance" scheme since January 13 to conduct tests on novel coronavirus for pneumonia patients meeting the relevant criteria. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100713.htm

Scientists from the University of Hong Kong submitted test design to World Health Organisation on January 16, 2020. Sources: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/24/asia/testing-coronavirus-science-intl-hnk/ ; https://fightcovid19.hku.hk/detection-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-in-suspected-human-cases-by-rt-pcr/

The Department of Health would impose a health declaration form system on inbound travellers by air from Wuhan under the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap 599A) Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/20/P2020012000618.htm

Enhanced laboratory surveillance would be further extended to include inpatient pneumonia cases with travel history to Mainland China within 14 days before onset of symptoms. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/21/P2020012100589.htm

The first highly suspected imported case of novel coronavirus infection was reported in Hong Kong. The Centre for Protection of Health has immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted relevant contact tracing. A hotline is set up for contact tracing. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/22/P2020012200982.htm ; p.5, Annex 4, https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr19-20/english/counmtg/papers/cm20200219p-e.pdf

All schools (including kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and special schools) will extend their Chinese New Year holidays to February 16 (i.e. class resumption on February 17) to safeguard students' health. Separately, universities also deferred resumption of class after Chinese New Year holiday. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/25/P2020012500583.htm ; https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1504834-20200125.htm

The HKSAR Government will cancel large-scale events in the coming future which it organises or arranges and are expected to be attended by many people. Apart from the International Chinese New Year Carnival and the Lunar New Year Cup football tournament which have been cancelled earlier, lantern carnivals organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also be cancelled. The HKSAR Government has reached a consensus with the organiser of the Hong Kong Marathon that the event originally scheduled for February 9 will also be cancelled. In addition, as the HKSAR Government has to focus on fighting the disease, various types of Chinese New Year receptions hosted by the HKSAR Government, including the one hosted by the Chief Executive in the Government House, will be cancelled.. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm

The response level under the Preparedness and Response Plan would be raised to Emergency level and the Chief Executive will chair a Steering Committee cum Command Centre. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm

The current strategy is, through "early notification", "early isolation" and "early testing", identify as soon as possible patients suspected to be infected and arrange them to receive isolation treatment in hospitals, with a view to preventing transmission into the community. The Public Health Laboratory Centre of the Department of Health has enhanced testing service with a view to ascertaining whether a patient is infected as soon as possible. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm

The current strategy is, through "early notification", "early isolation" and "early testing", identify as soon as possible patients suspected to be infected and arrange them to receive isolation treatment in hospitals, with a view to preventing transmission into the community. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm

The HKSAR Government will cancel large-scale events in the coming future which it organises or arranges and are expected to be attended by many people. Apart from the International Chinese New Year Carnival and the Lunar New Year Cup football tournament which have been cancelled earlier, lantern carnivals organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also be cancelled. The HKSAR Government has reached a consensus with the organiser of the Hong Kong Marathon that the event originally scheduled for February 9 will also be cancelled. In addition, as the HKSAR Government has to focus on fighting the disease, various types of Chinese New Year receptions hosted by the HKSAR Government, including the one hosted by the Chief Executive in the Government House, will be cancelled.. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm

Immigration restrictions on Hubei Province residents and persons visited Hubei Province in past 14 days. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600751.htm

Government appeals to employers to make special work arrangement to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/28/P2020012800400.htm

Except for staff of the departments providing emergency services and essential public services, all other employees of the Government are not required to return to the offices but to work at home after the holidays. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/28/P2020012800310.htm

The HKSAR Government will cancel large-scale events in the coming future which it organises or arranges and are expected to be attended by many people. In addition, public cultural and leisure facilities will be temporarily closed from January 29 and recreational, sports and cultural programmes held at these venues will be cancelled until further notice. Sources: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm ; https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/28/P2020012800030.htm

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced all schools in Hong Kong (including kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and private schools offering non-formal curriculum) would resume classes on March 2 the earliest pending further assessment. Universities took similar actions. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100693.htm ; https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3048305/hong-kong-universities-suspend-classes-until-march-china

Special work arrangements for government departments will be extended until February 9 and the Government will review the situation later. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100826.htm

Immigration restrictions on Hubei Province residents and persons visited Hubei Province in past 14 days remain in force. Separately, Hong Kong International Airport will implement body temperature checks for both departing and transit passengers. No boarding will be allowed for passengers with fever. On land-based control points, the Government will impose a requirement for health declaration at Lo Wu Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port tomorrow and extend it to other control points gradually. Sources: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600751.htm ; https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100826.htm

The Hospital Authority will also further extend the coverage of the "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance" scheme to all pneumonia inpatients. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/31/P2020013100713.htm

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/03/P2020020300738.htm

The special work arrangement for government departments will be extended until February 16 in order to reduce social contacts and the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/07/P2020020700569.htm

Government urged all sectors to step up efforts in reducing social contacts and appealed to the public to stay at home as far as possible. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/08/P2020020800612.htm

Classes will not resume before March 16. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/13/P2020021300418.htm

The "Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme" by the Hospital Authority (HA) would be expanded from February 19 to cover the patients attending the General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs) as well as Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs), with a view to further enhancing the current surveillance, prevention and control strategy in Hong Kong. The HA will arrange testing on deep throat saliva specimen for outpatients attending GOPCs and AEDs with mild symptoms, and without epidemiological links with confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection. The Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme has previously covered all inpatient pneumonia cases. Sources: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/18/P2020021800654.htm ; https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/18/P2020021800437.htm

The special work arrangement for government departments will be extended until March 1. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/20/P2020022000409.htm

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (February 21) launched a Telegram channel, "Hong Kong Anti-epidemic Information Channel", to disseminate the Government's information on COVID-19 in a more direct and speedy way. In addition, the Government has, since early February, made use of various online platforms to centrally disseminate anti-epidemic information, including an Interactive Map Dashboard (Dashboard) and a thematic website, with a view to updating the public on the relevant information. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/21/P2020022100782.htm

non-Hong Kong residents travelling from Korea and those who have been to the country in the past 14 days will be barred from entering Hong Kong. Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3052048/coronavirus-major-hong-kong-tour-firm-axes-seoul

There is no general income support, but healthcare workers receive a "20% or 500$ allowance on top of the daily salary for health care workers as a direct cash payment in appreciation of their extraordinary measures" https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/24/P2020022400555.htm (link not archiveable)

Income support to all citizens, which is >50% of the median monthly income. "To stimulate the economy by boosting local consumption and relieve the financial burden on the community, Mr Chan announced a cash payout of $10,000 to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above... "This measure, which involves an expenditure of about $71 billion, is expected to benefit about 7 million people"" https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/26/P2020022600420.htm

Government has implemented broad debt/contract relief, including issuing tax breaks, low-interest loans, waiving rates for residential properties and non-residential properties, and subsidizing utilities such as electricity and water. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/26/P2020022600420.htm

The Centre for Health Protection 's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/01/P2020030100724.htm

Government bureaux/departments gradually resumed more public services today (March 2) in a smooth and orderly manner. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/02/P2020030200737.htm

50% rent concession for retail and factory tenants in government-owned housing https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/02/P2020030200338.htm

The Centre for Health Protection further extends the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme to cover all private clinics and hospitals. Starting from March 9, private doctors can collect respiratory samples from patients presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms, in particular for those with travel history outside Hong Kong within 14 days before onset of symptoms, and send the samples to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch for free testing on COVID-19. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/06/P2020030600821.htm https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/06/P2020030600821.htm

There is now little to no possibility that Hong Kong’s schools will fully reopen on April 20, the city’s chief executive said on Tuesday. Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3075521/coronavirus-little-if-any-possibility-hong-kong-schools

Except for China, Macau and Taiwan

The Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme, which provides a free testing service for COVID-19, will be further extended today (March 19) to cover asymptomatic persons under the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/19/P2020031900575.htm

In view of the latest situation, the Government will once again adjust public services and make special work arrangements for civil servants to reduce social contacts. All government departments will provide essential, emergency and limited public services only. Enterprises are urged to make flexible work arrangements for employees to tie in with the Government strategy to fight the disease. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/22/P2020032200022.htm

All non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries and regions by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong; Non-Hong Kong residents coming from the Mainland, Macao and Taiwan will be denied entry to Hong Kong if they have been to any overseas countries and regions in the past 14 days; All transit services at Hong Kong International Airport will be suspended; and All travellers coming from Macao and Taiwan, including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents, will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine, which is the same as the arrangements for people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/24/P2020032400050.htm

the Centre for Health Protection will further extend its Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme, which provides a free testing service for COVID-19, to cover asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving from the United Kingdom, other countries in Europe and the United States by phases starting from March 25. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/24/P2020032400828.htm

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/28/P2020032800802.htm

Group gatherings with more than four people are prohibited in public places from March 29 for 14 days. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/28/P2020032800720.htm

The Department of Health announced that starting from April 3, participants of the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme can make use of a door-to-door specimen collection service from member companies of the Cyberport Startup Alumni Association to submit their deep throat saliva specimens to the DH for COVID-19 testing. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/02/P2020040200340.htm

The Government will extend, until further notice, the entry restriction on non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries or regions by plane and those having been to overseas countries or regions in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong. All transit services at the Hong Kong International Airport will also continue to be suspended until further notice. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/06/P2020040600671.htm

The prohibition of group gatherings with more than four people in public places under Cap. 599G will remain in force until April 23, 2020. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/08/P2020040800020.htm

In addition to the universal income support already implemented, the Chief Executive announced a series of fiscal measures including wage subsidies will be provided to eligible employers at 50 per cent of wage cap of $18,000. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/08/P2020040800810.htm ; https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/09/P2020040900021.htm

The Department of Health (DH) will strengthen health quarantine and COVID-19 testing arrangements for all inbound travellers starting from April 8. All asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be mandated under the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) to collect their deep throat saliva samples at the DH's Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) for conducting testing for COVID-19. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/07/P2020040700753.htm

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/14/P2020041400584.htm

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) together with the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism announced today (April 17) the launch of the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme for eligible corporate customers. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/17/P2020041700329.htm

Secretary for Education: "Regarding the school resumption, we have not made any firm decision yet. At this stage, we have not set any deadline or a D-Day that school has to resume." source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/18/P2020041800293.htm

Rent concessions of 50% to the Municipal Solida Waste sector and related sectors, issue by the Environmental bureau, government also waived sewage charges for non-domestic accounts https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/18/P2020041800437.htm

Loan repayments deferred by two years for international schools, student loan payers and self-financing post-secondary educational institutions https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/20/P2020042000789.htm

Government enhances testing arrangements for asymptomatic inbound travellers. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/20/P2020042000699.htm

Amusement games centre, bathhouse, fitness centre, place of entertainment, “party room”, club or nightclub, karaoke establishment, mahjong-tin kau premises, beauty parlour, massage establishment must be closed till May 7, 2020. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/21/P2020042100248.htm

The Secretary for Food and Health has issued the latest directions through notices in the Gazette today (April 21) to extend requirements regarding catering business, scheduled premises and prohibition of group gathering of more than 4 people till May 7, 2020. The requirement for the number of customers in catering business premises at any one time to not exceed 50 per cent of the normal seating capacity of the premises will be suspended. Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/21/P2020042100248.htm

Additional one-off relief grant for educational institutions, mostly private institutions https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/21/P2020042100757.htm

Maximum of 12 months moratorium for Subsidised Sale Flats Scheme housing in repaying their loans https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/24/P2020042400649.htm

Both subsidies and repayment deferral for Local Primary Producers https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/25/P2020042500554.htm

The Government will embark on a resumption of public services from May 4 while maintaining a high degree of vigilance and adopting all necessary precautionary measures. The Steering Committee cum Command Centre will continue to closely monitor the situation and determine when to embark on a full resumption of normal business under the second phase," said the spokesman. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202004/28/P2020042800362.htm

After 16 days with no new local infections, there was an easing of restrictions today which led to the opening of many businesses such as bars, restaurants, cinemas but with social distancing still in place and restriction of numbers of people. Howver, some businesses will remain closed for the time being (eg nightclubs, saunas, party rooms and karaoke lounges). https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/normality-returns-to-hong-kong-as-businesses-reopen-and-people-go-out https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3082895/coronavirus-hong-kong-senior-schools-get-older-pupils-back

The Government announced that from today the number of people gathered at weddings or at shareholders meetings of listed companies can be up to 50 people. For other gatherings such as at restaurants the size of the group is limited to 4 people per table. /web/20200513093054/ https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202005/05/P2020050500874.htm?fontSize=1

Bathhouse, party room, club or nightclub and karaoke establishment should remain closed from 22 May to 28 May 2020. Link: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202005/19/P2020051900837_341580_1_1589902282651.pdf

Hong Kong senior secondary schools resume classes on 27 May. Primary 4 to secondary 2 will resume classes on June 8 while upper kindergarten to primary 3 will resume classes on June 15. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202005/27/P2020052700785.htm

Bathhouses, party rooms, clubs or nightclubs and karaoke establishments are allowed to resume operation. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202005/26/P2020052600775.htm

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/02/P2020060200857.htm?fontSize=1

Museums reopen, but performing arts venues remain closed. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/10/P2020061000519.htm?fontSize=2

Third-year kindergarten (K3) pupils and younger primary schoolchildren are scheduled to resume face-to-face classes on June 15, while first and second-year kindergartners will not be returning this school year. Link: https://www.scmp.com/print/news/hong-kong/education/article/3083005/coronavirus-masks-lost-progress-and-summer-break-among

Unless exempted, all asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) are mandated to wait for test results at a designated location after submitting their deep throat saliva samples for testing COVID-19 at the DH's Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at AsiaWorld-Expo. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/18/P2020061800819.htm?fontSize=1

All of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)'s performance venues will be opened for performances or activities with live audiences from June 19 with special seating arrangements. The number of audience in major facilities of the venues such as concert halls, theatres, auditoriums, cultural activities halls and arenas will be limited to half of the original capacity. Consecutive seats will be limited to 16 and alternate rows will be taken where practicable. Public programmes at the museums and cultural venues, including the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive, will resume gradually. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/17/P2020061700360.htm

Government relaxes social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be relaxed from eight to 50. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/16/P2020061600761.htm

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (June 23) announced that tenants (including licencees) who live in its public rental units and pay normal rent or reduced rent under the Rent Assistance Scheme (RAS) will not be required to pay rent for the month of July 2020. in view of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, if tenants face short-term financial difficulties with rent in arrears, they could submit applications to the HA for withholding the issuance of a Notice-to-Quit. If the applications are approved, the HA will temporarily withhold the issuance of the Notice to the concerned tenants from May to October 2020. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/23/P2020062200386.htm?fontSize=1

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/02/P2020060200857.htm?fontSize=1

The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be maintained at 50. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/30/P2020063000854.htm?fontSize=1

The limit on the number of audiences/users in all LCSD’s performance venues will be relaxed starting from July 3, with seating capacity to be increased from 50 to 80 percent of the original. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/01/P2020070100318.htm?fontSize=1

The Employment Support Scheme (ESS) Secretariat will notify the fifth batch of about 9 000 employer applicants of their successful applications under the ESS within this week. Disbursement of wage subsidies, totalling about $4.2 billion and covering more than 190 000 employees, will commence early next week. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/07/P2020070700626.htm?fontSize=1

Starting from July 8, all air crew and sea crew members arriving Hong Kong via the Hong Kong International Airport are required to provide deep throat salvia specimen for COVID-19 test at the test centre set up by the Department of Health at the AsiaWorld-Expo. “Sign-in” sea crew members, who are exempted from mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Hong Kong via the Hong Kong International Airport, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result at their departure place before boarding for Hong Kong. Link: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/20200707_Prevention_control_measures.pdf

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/07/P2020070700833.htm?fontSize=1

On catering business, the number of customers at any catering premises at any one time must not exceed 60% of the normal seating capacity of the premises. Links: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/09/P2020070900723.htm?fontSize=2 ; https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202007/09/P2020070900723_345204_1_1594296819124.pdf

The Secretary for Food and Health appeals to the public to try to stay at home and not to go to gatherings as far as possible. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/11/P2020071100363.htm?fontSize=2

The Secretary for Education decided to advance the commencement of the summer vacation to next Monday (13 July). https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/10/P2020071000557.htm?fontSize=2

The Education Bureau announced on July 14 that all schools should suspend all on-campus activities including make-up classes and extra-curricular activities at all levels for two weeks, i.e. from July 15 to July 28. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/27/P2020072700499.htm?fontSize=2

Scheduled premises set out below are required to suspend operation: (a) Amusement game centres; (b) Bathhouses; (c) Fitness centres; (d) Places of amusement; (e) Places of public entertainment; (f) Premises (commonly known as party rooms) that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings; (g) Beauty parlours; (h) Establishments (commonly known as clubs or nightclubs) that are open late into the night, usually for drinking, and dancing or other entertainment; (i) Karaoke establishments; (j) Mahjong-tin kau premises; and (k) Massage establishments. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/14/P2020071400010.htm

The leisure and cultural venues/facilities reopened earlier will be temporarily closed starting from July 15 (Wednesday) until further notice. The recreational, sports and cultural programmes to be held in July will also be cancelled. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/13/P2020071300885.htm?fontSize=1

The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be tightened from 50 to four, with effective from July 15, 2020. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/14/P2020071400010.htm

Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services, all other government employees should work from home starting from July 20. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/19/P2020071900482.htm?fontSize=1

The Government strongly urges the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings). Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/20/P2020072000711.htm?fontSize=2

The Government extends existing social distancing measures. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/20/P2020072000711.htm?fontSize=2

The Government strongly urged the public to stay at home as much as possible, refrain from going out unnecessarily, refrain from dining out and avoid unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings). Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/22/P2020072200750.htm?fontSize=2

Special work arrangement for government employees will be extended for one week until August 2. Save for those involved in the provision of emergency services and essential public services, all other government employees will continue to work from home. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/23/P2020072300393.htm?fontSize=1

The Centre for Health Protection's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/26/P2020072600725.htm?fontSize=2

Ban on gatherings of more than 2 people on 27 July https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-hong-kong-ban-dining-in-restaurants-gatherings-2-people-12965992

No policy change found

"Restaurants are only able to offer takeaway services. Various businesses, including bars, cinemas, spas and gyms have been closed." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong/coronavirus

"Public gatherings have been restricted to a maximum of two people (members of the same household are exempt). " https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong/coronavirus

Public gatherings have been restricted to a maximum of two people (members of the same household are exempt).

While there don't seem to be any restrictions on travel within HK, there are restrictions for travel between HK, mainland China and Macao. Interpreting this as 'internal' movement is a sensitive issue due to HK's special administrative status and I'm not sure if I should code it as a "0" or "1". "All border crossings with mainland China remain closed indefinitely, with the exception of the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. All passengers wanting to board a shuttle bus to cross the bridge departing from Hong Kong to Macau must present a certificate confirming that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within seven days of their departure. The special ferry service between Taipa Ferry Terminal in Macao and Hong Kong International Airport has now ceased operations. All ferry crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China are currently not in operation. Kai Tak Cruise and Ocean Terminals are also closed to passengers indefinitely." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong/entry-requirements

"Travellers arriving in Hong Kong on flights from overseas countries/territories, who are not Hong Kong residents, will be denied entry to Hong Kong. Non-Hong Kong residents travelling to Hong Kong from mainland China, Macao or Taiwan will also be denied entry if they have been to any overseas country/territory in the past 14 days. Spouses and minor children of Hong Kong residents are exempt from the above restrictions." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong/entry-requirements

On Friday 7 August Hong Kong announced that voluntary free virus tests will be available to all 7 million residents in order to achieve universal testing to identify asymptomatic carriers. News articles report that capacity is able to fulfil this. Media source 1: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-07/hong-kong-to-offer-free-virus-testing-to-whole-city-says-hk01 Media source 2: https://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-offers-free-testing-as-china-sends-in-teams-to-contain-coronavirus-11596815359