Omicron and Delta Variants Found in HK

Yuen holds up the floor plan of the hotel with two infections

The Centre for Health Protection is warning the possibility that not only the Omicron virus is in Hong Kong, but so is the more serious Delta variant.

A woman who worked in a pet shop in Causeway Bay and had hot pot with friends in Yau Ma Tei, was tested for the virus and had the Delta strain. 

Chuang Shuk-kwan of the CHP says they are still trying to find the source of the virus.

Chuang (left) warns of Delta variant in HK

"There may be Delta strain circulating. So it is not only restricted to the Omicron cases we detected recently. So of course we're very worried whether there are other sources of infections that have not been detected. As for the source of [her] infection, we're still investigating," she said.

Today there are 11 recorded infections, eight of which are imported.

Another interesting case involves a woman from Pakistan who completed her hotel quarantine and tested negative throughout the stay, but five days later tested positive for the virus. She may have caught it from another hotel occupant in an adjacent room. Needless to say everybody who did quarantine in the same area of that floor will have to go to a quarantine camp for another 14 days...

University of Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung inspected the Silka Seaview Hotel in Yau Ma Tei and believes the virus may have spread through the corridors when the doors of the guest rooms were opened.

"Tests on the spot showed it was possible the air could go from [one room to the other] through the doors," he said. "There are three air purifiers in the corridors, but there is no air purifier in the rooms. But we were told that they would be installed from [Monday].

"The air purifiers in the corridors were set to auto mode. That is, when the air is detected cleansed, the purifiers will go to sleep or not run at full power. We have advised the hotel management against running the air purifiers in auto mode."

Got the booster today, so far so good

Meanwhile a bit of good news: I got my booster shot today in Sai Wan Ho, the only location on Hong Kong island at the moment. It was fast and painless, though I'm dreading the possible side effects that may happen in the next few hours.

Another thing to cheer about: a young woman I know professionally finally got married to her long-time boyfriend today. So wonderful to watch the video of their nuptials on Facebook! 

When they were allowed to kiss, they did a quick peck on the lips, but after cajoling from witnesses, they did a longer smooth to much applause. The event too out the monotony -- albeit temporarily -- from being reminded of being stuck in Hong Kong for so long...

The Confederation of Trade Unions Folds Under Pressure

Wong (in blue) confirmed the union will disband next month

 

Another group has decided to disband, this time the Confederation of Trade Unions, which was critical of the government during the protests in 2019 and encouraged people to take part in general strikes.

Yesterday the opposition trade union's chief executive Mung Siu-tat announced on Facebook that he had resigned from the union and had left Hong Kong. He said he was forced to make a choice between two identities -- being a father and the CTU's chief executive.

Mung posted in Facebook he left Hong Kong

Today the union confirmed it was disbanding and expects to dissolve next month over concerns for "members' personal safety".

"Over the past one to two weeks, our members have received more messages," said chairman Joe Wong Nai-yuen. "We felt that the continued operation of the CTU could bring risks to members' personal safety. When our existence itself is already an original sin, even with the resignation of our leaders, it would not make a difference."

He did not say who the message came from or what they were about.

Speaking at a press conference at the confederation's offices in Yau Ma Tei, Wong was emotional when he said that after thorough discussions and "considering the risks and costs of continuing to run the CTU", the union's executive committee members had agreed to begin the process to fold during a meeting on Thursday.

The confederation was active in the 2019 protests

There will be an extraordinary general meeting held on October 3, and will need four-fifths of the votes from participating affiliated unions to support the dissolution to go ahead.

"I also hope to apologize to our affiliated unions, as well as all Hongkongers, as we, the CTU, can no longer hold on and march forward," Wong said.

He added 20, or most of the confederation's executive committee had already resigned, leaving just him, the vice-chairman, and the treasurer to handle the disbandment.

The CTU is one of the opposition and activist groups targeted by pro-Beijing media claiming it was "colluding with foreign forces" when it advocated general strikes and encouraged workers to set up new trade unions to demand greater democracy.  

At the time the CTU refuted the claim, saying having links with international labour unions was "legal" and normal practice.

The CTU was involved in 2013 dock worker strike

The union has links with some large groups, including the Professional Teachers' Union and the Civil Human Rights Front, both of which have already decided to fold under pressure from the authorities.

The CTU was started in 1990 and was co-founded by former opposition lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan, and 31 years later represented more than 80 affiliates, and around 140,000 members as of last month. It was influential in labour movements, including the 2013 strike by dock workers which lasted 40 days.

Lee is currently in jail serving a 14-month sentence for unauthorized assembly, and earlier this month was charged with inciting subversion in relation to the annual June 4 candlelight vigil.

In addition, the CTU announced it will gradually stop running around 200 courses at its 15 centres which will affect around 1,000 people.

Lee Cheuk-yan co-founded the CTU in 1990

Many of the training courses had helped workers switch careers at retirement, such as becoming security guards or cleaners.

Lam Kam-piu, chairman of the 500-member New World First Bus Company Staff Union, an affiliate of the CTU, said he regretted the confederation's plans to disband, but understood the reasons for doing so.

"It is also a pity that our government isn't tolerant enough," he said.

Two Charged for Misleading Contact-Tracing Information

The first local mutant virus strain was found in Jordan in April

A 29-year-old engineer who came back to Hong Kong on holiday from working in Dubai has been charged along with his 31-year-old female friend for withholding details or providing misleading information after it was discovered they were carrying a mutant strain of Covid-19 in the community.

They were arrested Saturday morning taken to Yau Ma Tei police station, the man charged with giving misleading information, the woman for refusing to provide more detailed information.

The pair were taken to Yau Ma Tei police station

It was recently discovered there was a link between the couple and three domestic helpers who were also infected with the same strain of the mutated virus.

The man and his girlfriend, who were infected around three weeks ago, met relatives in Chai Wan, and then three people from that gathering met with the three domestic helpers a few days later in Tung Chung.

Under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, anyone who knowingly gives false or misleading information in such matters -- including whereabouts, medical history and contact with others -- faces a HK$10,000 fine and six months in jail.

It's good the authorities are cracking down on those who have been found to be withholding information, as this is about protecting public health.

How about charges for those dancing tai tais?

But what about those tai tais and their friends who danced nights away mask-less in dance clubs in November? They refused to reveal all the people they came into contact with. Why not prosecute them? They are responsible for the extended fourth wave we all had to go through...

 

 

Hunt for the Virus in Lam Tin

Over 10 cases were found in Block 5 of Laguna City, Lam Tin

Hong Kong logged 73 new coronavirus cases today, and some are related to a colleague who lives in Laguna City in Lam Tin, Kowloon.

The developing has 38 towers with more than 8,000 residential units, and in Block 5 there are at least 10 cases, mostly in E flats on various floors. This led to a mass evacuation of all residents in the tower living in flat E. Those who tested negative were sent to quarantine camps, those with symptoms to hospital.

Yuen notes possible "chimney effect" virus spread

That's because microbiologist and government health advisor Professor Yuen Kwok-yung from the University of Hong Kong believes there is a "chimney effect" of vertically transmitting the virus.

It was also reported two security guards who were confirmed with the virus, one of whom lived in Reclamation Street in Yau Ma Tei where there have been some outbreaks.

That guard may have brought the virus to the apartment block.

Another possibility is that on January 9 a family of four on the 16th floor in Flat E had a gathering with all of them testing positive, which could be because one of the guests was positive.

My colleague has friends in that block living in flat E so they had to be evacuated today. It's worrying for her wondering if the virus has spread to other blocks like hers. 

Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day to be quiet

People were hoping the number of cases would go down by Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day, but that hardly looks likely at all at this rate.

As I said before the Year of the Ox is going to be a dull one... if people don't heed advice to not gather during the public holiday, there will be another spike in cases, and the chances of restaurants opening for dinner are going to be near impossible.

 

Authentic Northern Vietnamese Dishes

Pho bo, featuring diced raw beef, meatballs and rice noodles

 

Today my colleague who is Vietnamese-Australian, took me to a small shop in Yau Ma Tei that serves northern Vietnamese food.

While he was not born in Vietnam, he has traveled there a few times. Here he is tired of the many Vietnamese restaurants that are more Hong Kong-style Vietnamese, and his girlfriend managed to find this place and he was pleasantly surprised. It is run by Vietnamese people.

Deep-fried spring rolls that are wrapped in lettuce

The place, called Pho Viet Authentic Hanoi Cuisine has many devotees, and my colleague warned we had to get there early to get in line as the shop is quite small. If you don't get seated in the first round, it will be a while to wait for a table.

So we got there just before noon and were the first ones to line up -- a few minutes later there were a some people behind us. 

The woman behind us said she liked eating the broken rice dish, featuring pork with a slice of omelette and rice that are mixed together. It was her second time there.

On Google it says the shop opens at 12.30, but the sign on the door says 12pm to 3.30pm. Luckily we got there early and within a few minutes the server lifted the metal roll top gate and let us in, but not before giving us hand sanitizer and taking our temperatures. He also insisted we keep our masks on until our food arrived. Very strict, but understandable.

The menu is very short for lunch, 19 items. We ordered three items, and I had a passion fruit soda, and my colleague an iced Vietnamese coffee.

bun cha Hanoi, a sour soup with grilled pork

The deep-fried spring rolls (HK$65) arrived first, three of the rolls accompanied with strips of Romaine lettuce, basil and mint, and fish sauce. The spring rolls were piping hot and a delicious start, filled with pork, carrot and vermicelli. 

Next came bun cha Hanoi (HK$76), where there was a soup bowl with what looked like a soup, with strips of grilled pork, and thinly sliced carrot and turnip in a broth that was sour and savoury. Also with the dish was a bamboo basket of balls of rice vermicelli and herbs.

My colleague instructed me to put a ball of the cold vermicelli in my bowl and then spoon some of the broth along with some pork on top of it. This was delicious and meaty. I liked the sour taste and interesting together with the thin slices of grilled pork. I had never eaten anything like this before.

Finally our bowl of pho bo (HK$79) came, and it's a large bowl! In it is the wide rice noodles, along with beef meatballs that were halved, and bits of raw beef. We mixed the beef into the steaming hot broth that had lots of scallions and herbs in it. A side dish had a wedge of lime and fresh chillis.

The bun cha has cold rice vermicelli in bunches

A guest next to us had ordered the same thing and asked the waiter why there were no beansprouts. He explained this was northern Vietnamese style. There were no slices of onions either.

The bits of beef were very tender, not chewy or sinewy. Amazing. It was definitely a comforting bowl of noodles, but I don't think I could have eaten it all on my own!

As we ate, some tables turned twice. Another guest next to us ordered takeaway. The server asked why so many, and she sheepishly said it was for her children. "Oh are they still asleep?" he asked. She was surprised he was so smart. "They are all night owls," she said. Luckily to have a mom bring delicious food for them.

When we left the bill came to HK$302 and well sated. 

Hope to visit again, maybe for dinner? But good to know this legit place exists if I get there early enough...

Pho Viet Authentic Hanoi Cuisine

G/F, 99 Portland Street, Mongkok (Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit A1)

6884 8898

The HK$4 Billion Heist

Seen this postage stamp? It was recently stolen and worth a lot of money...

The coronavirus pandemic in Hong Kong has resulted in a surge in burglaries, believe it or not. The police have recorded 1,156 cases in the first six months of this year, up 47.1 percent, compared to 786 cases in the same period last year.

But last week has to be the biggest robbery case in the city by far if it is confirmed, and it did not involve giant sparkling diamonds or expensive watches, but old postage stamps. And calligraphy that happened to be penned by Mao Zedong himself.

One item stolen was a calligraphy written by Mao Zedong

Last Thursday apparently three men broke into the apartment of a well known collector of revolutionary stamps and art in Yau Ma Tei, and allegedly stole HK$4 billion worth of items.

These include a two-metre tall poem written in calligraphy by Mao that collector Fu Chunxiao claimed was worth HK$2 billion, and a postage stamp that has the words, "The whole country is red".

Fu is not in Hong Kong but on the mainland, and it seems the thieves knew what they were taking.

"I was dealt a huge blow and feel so sad," he said by phone. "The lost items are invaluable indeed, but I cannot tell in detail what they are right now, as my mind is racing."

Apparently Fu is well known in certain circles, a member of the Hong Kong Philatelic Society and in 2018 even organized an exhibition of Mao stamps in the city, featuring more than 200 items from his own collection.

Fu Chunxiao is a collector of revolutionary stamps and art

He also seems to be very connected.

"I appreciate the help of the Hong Kong government and police, the Beijing liaison office, and the national security office, which were all involved in the case," he added, without explaining which national security office he meant, or how precisely it was involved.

The robbery came to light when a building security guard noticed the iron gate and the wooden door of the flat open.

Will the items ever be recovered? And who committed this crime?! And was it purely because these items were valuable or was there a political motive?!

Surely the police are on the case...

Hong Kong's Police State

The police tried to preempt today's protest, but people came out anyway

Today would have been the right of over 3 million Hongkongers to vote in the Legislative Council elections, but that opportunity was taken away by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who claimed the coronavirus pandemic was the reason why the election could not be held.

Beijing had to do some political gymnastics to allow Legco to function for another year with the same lawmakers, and in the meantime the number of cases dropped from over 100 to single digits earlier this week.

The police threatened to arrest reporters on the scene too

So instead of being able to vote, people turned out in Kowloon to protest that as well as the implementation of the national security law, and some brought up the case of the 12 people who were caught fleeing to Taiwan and have not been heard from since.

Hong Kong police responded in force and so far 289 people were arrested for numerous offenses, including illegal assembly, disorderly conduct in a public place, unable to produce identity cards, assaulting police, and obstructing police.

There were about 30 journalists covering the incident, and police threatened them with arrest for taking part in illegal assembly. They cannot report on what is happening?

Most frightening was watching a clip of a 12-year-old girl terrified of the police and tries to run away from them, but then is taken down roughly by officers.

A 12yo girl scared, ran, and pushed down by riot police in Mong Kong via HKUST Radio News Reporting Team. @appledaily_hk interviewed her mum, said she only buying paint for schoolwork with her brother https://t.co/a5oUWQODLy #HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/njtwZLs3ba

— Galileo Cheng (@galileocheng) September 6, 2020

 

The force later claimed they used "the minimum force necessary" to subdue her, and ticketed her for social distancing violations.

Her mother claimed the girl was out buying art supplies.

A 63-year-old woman surnamed Yim was at the protest, unhappy about the postponement of the elections.

At least 289 people were arrested to day for various offenses

"Why not let me vote? You let people do mass virus testing, but why not let people participate in an election?" she said, referring to the Beijing-sponsored universal testing scheme. "If you are postponing the elections for one month, that would still be acceptable. But that's not the case now. Why does it have to be so?"

Other young people said they came out to protest, concerned about defending freedom of speech.

Among the arrested was a bus driver from New World Bus Company, who, according to news reports, was honking his horn at police officers who blocked the road in Yau Ma Tei.

The force said it arrested the driver for "dangerous driving" and about an hour ago a statement was issued saying a group of New World Bus drivers will protest tomorrow about one of their colleagues being arrested by driving strictly to the rules.

Wonder how that will drive the point across, but perhaps this is their way of showing solidarity.

What does the parent company have to say about one of its employees being arrested?

After Hiatus, Hong Kong Protests Erupt Again

Hong Kong police surrounding the Prince Edward MTR station last night

 

Yesterday marked the six-month anniversary of the August 31 incident at the Prince Edward MTR station, where protesters were attacked by Hong Kong police and some people believe three people died at the scene and were unaccounted for, despite no evidence.

Since then people have been coming to a particular MTR exit in the district and have built a make-shift memorial covered in flowers and candles. The police have repeatedly tried to clear it out, but protesters keep coming back and rebuilding the memorial.

A policeman pulled out his handgun to defend himself

Now it has been six months and the Hong Kong government is no closer to resolving the eight months of protests let alone authorize an independent investigation into police brutality. And even though there are fears of the coronavirus spreading in the city, protesters came suitably masked to commemorate the violent anniversary, though the police were there too.

Pepper spray was unleashed at close range, along with tear gas. And a bonus -- a policeman brandished his handgun as protesters threw bricks, stones and bamboo sticks at him. He had fallen away from the rest of the group (obviously not following orders) and so he was desperately defending himself with a live weapon that he thankfully did not fire.

In the end 115 people were arrested, but in the end how many will be charged?

This morning Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo Po bemoaned the incident last night, warning how these violent protests along with the coronavirus were impacting Hong Kong severely.

Petrol bombs were thrown in Prince Edward, tear gas fired

"The blocking of roads and the use of petrol bombs in Mongkok [on Saturday]... was worrying," Chan said in a television talk show on Sunday. "If violent clashes continue, that would harm citizens' safety, hurt consumer sentiment and affect business."

This he said could affect the city economically.

"Foreign businessmen in Hong Kong have started to ask themselves if they should move their families out of Hong Kong, and if they need to have other plans for their businesses," he said.

But these foreign businessmen (and women) also know that it is the government that has done nothing to resolve the tension in the city, creating an even greater divide in how we tackle the coronavirus. Seventeen years ago everyone was united in fighting SARS, but now a divided city makes it harder to overcome this epidemic that can soon become a pandemic.

Dr Gabriel Leung says the clinics help fight the coronavirus

Also last night petrol bombs were thrown at the South Kwai Chung Jockey Club General Outpatient Clinic, which is one of 18 designated medical facilities for screening patients with minor respiratory symptoms of infection. Protesters don't want this happening near where they live, fearing they will have a higher chance of being infected with the coronavirus.

Dozens also protested at three other clinics in Shau Kei Wan, Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Bay, demanding the government find other locations not near residential neighbourhoods.

But infectious disease expert Professor Gabriel Leung of the University of Hong Kong said it was a matter of practicality and empathy.

"Would you rather have these Hong Kong patients walking around on the streets, looking for clinics? Or would you rather have them going to a designated clinic which would be put under very strict protective measures?" he said. "Even if you are selfish, you would want them to seek help as soon as possible."

Residents protesting the clinic being used for coronavirus tests

Looks like the government (and health experts) need to communicate more with the public in explaining what the authorities are doing to screen people in a methodical way using the utmost safety precautions, but at the same time reassuring them so they aren't terrified.

It's difficult to strike a balance for sure, and on the whole Hong Kong should be commended for doing a pretty good job so far thanks to almost everyone wearing masks and washing hands often.

But in the meantime we shouldn't be surprised to see more protests on the streets. It ain't over yet...

Students Keep Protest Momentum Going

Even Mickey Mouse with an eye patch was out protesting this morning

Early this morning before class, thousands of students from at least 100 schools joined hands in front of their institutions and chanted slogans in a bid to get attention from Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Much like the human chain that spread across Hong Kong on August 23, the students joined hands -- or if they were too shy to hold hands, they held a pen or poster between them and shouted, "All five demands, not one less!" that is one of many slogans in the anti-government protests.

Students hold hands outside St Paul's Co-education College

The students were from such schools as St Paul's Co-educational College, St Stephens College, Pui Ching Middle School, Wa Ying College, King's College, True Light Girls' College, Heep Yunn School, Wah Yan College and Diocesan Girls' School.

The largest student chain was made up of students from 18 schools in Yau Ma Tei, Homantin, and Tokwawan, while others were from Wong Tai Sin to Tsz Wan Shan, from Yau Ma Tei to Prince Edward, and in Central and Western District.

A student surnamed Li said: "We must protect our home despite our limited strength. Therefore we launched an action called 'The Road to Freedom' connecting a 5km chain through Tokwawan, Homantin and Yau Ma Tei. When injust is a fact, revolution becomes a right. We must stand with Hong Kong pople and never stand down until the five demands are achieved.

Students in Wan Chai formed a human chain

It wasn't just students taking part, but also parents and alumnae of the various schools.

Parent Sammy Lee said he had to support his son, as it was his first time taking part in a social movement. "I think in the future, as a Hong Kong resident, he will understand there are various ways to pursue justice. Don't look down at the subtle power of students. They can also express their demands intelligently."

One male student who wore a tear gas mask, goggles and helmet wasn't optimistic that Lam would give into the other four demands, but felt protesters should continue to do whatever they can for now.

But even younger kids have taken part too. This was from the rain-soaked August 18 march when 1.7 million people took part. Love this kid.

AUG 18/A child standing in a foot bridge leads the protesters to chant slogan:”Hongkongers, keep going”.1.7 million take part in the demonstration in downtown Hong Kong Sunday to press their demands over the No China Extradition bill. (EYEPRESS TV) pic.twitter.com/QovyBIBQWG

— EYEPRESS NEWS (@eyepressnews) August 18, 2019

The Hong Kong Way

Lion Rock was lined with lights tonight in the human chain

Exactly 30 years ago today, people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic states, joined hands to form a human chain covering 675 kilometres across the three countries from north to south. This was their way of showing their wish for independence from the Soviet Union on August 23, 1989 at 7pm.

The human chain became known as The Baltic Way, and symbolized the people's desire for self-determination and universal suffrage.

Hongkongers lined up along Connaught Road Central

A Hong Kong entrepreneur based in Tallin, Estonia, proposed that there be a human chain in Hong Kong to mark the 30th anniversary of The Baltic Way on Reddit and within days the event was organized tonight.

No one was quite sure what was going to happen, but around 7pm tens of thousands of people were standing side by side across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Some brought hand sanitizer, some bought work gloves, or just pressed the flesh and joined hands after 8pm.

They went from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, Kowloon Tong to Yau Ma Tei, along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and from Tsuen Wan to Lai King, and to Kwun Tong.

There were even adventurous hikers who climbed up Lion Rock to light up the outline of the mountain ridge that is shaped like the jungle animal. from up at the top they shouted: "Hongkongers add oil!"

There was also a massive gathering at Chater Garden, and at one point participants all turned their phones on to create a giant glow of small lights.

A massive rally took place in Chater Garden tonight

Nearby I saw people standing side by side along Connaught Road Central, around the Court of Final Appeal and around towards Admiralty.

I took the MTR to Kennedy Town but didn't see the human chain and assumed it only reached as far as Sai Ying Pun -- I was wrong -- the people had gathered along the waterfront.

Around 9pm I heard loud shouts of people demanding that the five core demands be met, including the extradition bill be withdrawn and Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor resign.

Speaking of Lam, on Monday she talked about immediately setting up a platform for dialogue to talk to people. She even stressed the word immediately.

It's Friday... we're waiting Carrie...

Two More MTR Stops

Passengers crowded into the new stations to check them out

Hong Kong now has two more MTR stops on the Kwun Tong or green line.

It used to start or end at Yau Ma Tei, but now Whampoa and Ho Man Tin have been added.

The two stops were supposed to open last August, but there were engineering problems, space constraints and limited construction hours to avoid disturbing residents.

A map on the train showing the new MTR stops

However, the over one year delay didn't deter excited commuters who were ready to ride the train at 6.10am yesterday, a Sunday morning.

Even before the shutters were barely raised, over 100 people rushed into Whampoa station and cheered as the train pulled away from the station.

However seconds later the train came to a sharp halt and Adi Lau Tin-shing, operations director at the MTR explained that with any new system, new equipment and operation, there will be teething problems that have to be resolved.

But the people on the new train didn't seem to mind -- they were just too excited to have consistent transportation in their neighbourhood, or they are MTR diehard fans.

Some people were really, really excited to be on the first train

Already 108,000 people used the new stations up until 5pm yesterday, but the station is designed for some 146,000 passengers a day.

It is hoped the new stations will relieve traffic congestion in Hung Hom district, while Ho Man Tin station will become the biggest interchange station on the MTR network as it will eventually connect with the Sha Tin to Central line.

While it's exciting to see more areas becoming easily accessible, it's also the sad reality they are becoming more gentrified too...