Government clarifies that there is no lockdown plan for Hong Kong

      A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (January 3) clarified that the Government has absolutely no plan to place Hong Kong under lockdown and prohibit people from departing or coming to Hong Kong, or to forbid people from dining in restaurants after 6pm tonight. 

     The spokesman condemned those who have spread rumours online and via WhatsApp on Hong Kong being set for a lockdown at midnight and a no dine-in arrangement and caused public panic. Should any criminal elements be involved, the law-enforcement agencies will take action seriously. 

     The spokesman pointed out that the Secretary for Food and Health, together with the Director of Health and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, gave updates on the latest epidemic situation in the press briefing last Friday (December 31) and outlined the series of tightened measures to be taken. The Government will pursue the announced epidemic control measures rigorously and resolutely. 

     "The Government has all along been transparent with its epidemic control measures and will make announcements as early as possible. Any unhelpful speculation or spreading of rumours is counterproductive in the fight against the epidemic by the Government and the people of Hong Kong," he said.

     "We appeal to members of the public to be vigilant against rumours and pay attention to information released by the Government to avoid being misled."