Chinese New Year is Cancelled

Lam (middle) announcing extended measures tonight

As expected, the Hong Kong government extended social-distancing measures for another two weeks to February 3, thus effectively cancelling celebrations for Chinese New Year, which starts on February 1. 

Not only will restaurants not be able to serve dinner at 6pm, but also the traditional Lunary New Year fair is cancelled too, putting the livelihoods of flower farmers in jeopardy, as well as businesses hoping to sell festive products during the fair.

However, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor claimed despite the updated measures, Hong Kong is still on track to reopen the border with the mainland. 

More people getting a jab to eat dim sum

"The latest assessment is Covid-19 is not yet under control, there's still a risk of a large-scale outbreak," Lam said -- without wearing a mask:
"If there is no major outbreak on February 4, we will restore business operations but they will be subject to vaccination requirements."

Earlier the government had said that for people to enter 15 types of businesses, including bars, gyms, theme parks and beauty parlours, and restaurants serving dinner, people would need to have at least one jab by February 24, but now that has been moved up -- a date officials have yet to announce. 

My friend YTSL got her third jab the other day and chatted with her nurse who reported many people who have come to get vaccinated are only getting their first one because they want to have dim sum with their friends.

If only Lam and Co had instituted this earlier, Hong Kong's vaccination rate would have surged significantly last year. Not much more to say except better late than never...

Some 4,700 have gone into quarantine camps

Since the first detection of the Omicron variant in the city on December 30, 60 people have been infected locally, and 4,700 sent to quarantine camps that can't keep up with the large numbers of people coming in; tests and paper work are not done efficiently, causing many administrative issues. When it is their time to leave, their tests and release papers haven't been processed yet and have to wait another day to be allowed to depart. 

"I need to apologise to the residents who had unpleasant experiences during Covid-19 testing, contact tracing and compulsory quarantine on behalf of the government," Lam said during tonight's press conference.

"I hope they can understand that we have already mobilised a lot of manpower to contain the Omicron outbreak but unfortunately we still cannot keep everyone satisfied."

Wonder if those frustrated with the government will accept her apology...

The Lam administration also promises a fifth round of subsidies worth HK$3.57 billion (US$457.7 million), but affected sectors like catering, gyms and tourism say it's a drop in the bucket when the money is all parcelled out. 

Chinese restaurants lose out on CNY business

For example, bars and restaurants that are around 1,000 sq ft can get HK$50,000 in subsidies, while instructors in special interest classes can get HK$5,000 each. Hardly compensatory. 

On top of that with fewer flights operating, there is the possibility that fresh food will be imported at a premium, and will result in food costing even more. Maybe now people will finally wean themselves off uni, wagyu, truffles and lobster...