Hong Kong Photo Gallery - COVID-19 (Spring and Summer)

Following the first and second waves, the number of confirmed cases had died down by early May. Nevertheless, the government announced a free handout of their CuMasks to all citizens. The re-usable mask is made of 6 layers with small quantities of copper to stop bacteria and viruses.

May 9

Playgrounds were wrapped up to prevent access as part of the government's social distancing initiatives. Schools remained closed and children are best to play at home.

The postal service began delivering CuMasks on May 11.

Cases remained relatively low into June. On June 10, the government announced that some swimming pools, beaches, libraries, and museums could reopen.

Jun 11

With dwindling airport traffic, the Airport Express suspended in-town check-in on April 10. Looking at the departure screens at Kowloon Station, the drop in flights is quite dramatic.

The third wave began in July as cases spiked to almost 150 a day by late that month.

Jul 11

On this day, 28 new cases were reported with 12 of them imported. The Airport Express area continues to be deserted and I dropped by Hong Kong Station to take more photos.

Jul 25

On this day, 133 new cases were reported. The government announced 12 public markets would be closed earlier than usual for deep cleaning and disinfection.

While hand sanitizer is a common feature in shopping malls and public buildings, train stations have also stocked up some for passenger use.

Aug 8

On this day, 69 new cases were reported.

While the waterfront promenade was busy with many jogging and enjoying the blue sky, a banner reminded everyone not to gather, albeit with few taking heed of that advice here.

Aug 9

On this day, 72 new cases were reported. I was surprised to see that there was a hand sanitizer machine installed at the bottom of the Midlevels Escalator just opposite the MTR Faresaver machine. Double bonus!

Sunday is the typical rest day for our domestic workers, many of whom come from the Philippines and Indonesia. With social distancing laws in place, only groups of maximum 2 are allowed. However, that wasn't the case in Central, where many of these workers congregate on Sunday and a few streets are closed off specially for them. While the police were quick to arrest pro-democracy protesters, they were far more lenient on the domestic worker groups with only leaflets and a sign.

Aug 15

Signs noting to wear a mask on public transport are common. While they were more noticeable at train stations, even this tram stop had one.

Aug 22

Despite widespread media reporting, the government also has decorated some public furniture with tips on staying safe amidst the outbreak. This one is located in a public housing estate in Kwai Chung.

Nearby, the playground continues to be taped off from enjoyment.

Aug 23

Controversy has arisen over the planned city-wide testing program that was announced on August 7. With mainland health officials in Hong Kong assisting with ramping up the testing capacity, there have been rumours that the government plans to harvest residents' DNA as part of their enhanced surveillance as a result of the National Security Law, or to share that with the mainland government so they can enforce the law. There were also concerns locally that these mainland workers are not licensed to carry out medical work in the city.

During recent cluster outbreaks, the government distributed specimen bottles to potential close contacts with instructions on how to extract a deep throat sample. However, it is up to the resident to provide the specimen, with questions on whether a medical professional should be doing this.

COVID gallery - Winter Edition
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