Hong Kong investigates 13 officials who attended a party during the Covid-19 epidemic
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on January 8 launched an investigation into 13 senior officials who attended a party that could have spread Covid-19 earlier this week.
According to Reuters news agency, all 170 guests who attended the birthday party of MP Witman Hung Wai-man on January 3 at the Reserva Iberica restaurant were required to quarantine for 21 days in centralized facilities on January 7. At least two guests and one close contact have tested positive for the virus.Covid-19.
According to a statement from the Hong Kong health department, the party to celebrate the 53rd birthday of MP Witman Hung lasted for about 6 hours, from 6 pm to midnight. The party caused public outrage because the special administrative region is currently implementing strict control measures to control the spread of the corona virus.
Carrie Lam said on January 7 that she was "extremely disappointed" that senior Hong Kong officials still attended a high-risk event while the epidemic situation was complicated. In addition to opening an investigation, she also decided to suspend the above 13 officials.
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| Guests at the birthday party of MP Witman Hung Wai-man earlier this week. Photo: South China Morning Post |
According to Reuters, among the Hong Kong officials taken into quarantine are Home Affairs Secretary Casper Tsui, Immigration Secretary Au Ka Wang, Police Commissioner Raymond Siu and Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner Simon Peh.
The four officials have all issued public apologies. "I sincerely apologize to all Hong Kong people for my personal actions, which have increased the burden on the anti-epidemic work and caused public uproar. I have reflected on this incident and will be more cautious in the future," Au Ka Wang said on January 7.
The party did not violate Covid-19 prevention regulations because it took place before Hong Kong tightened its anti-epidemic policies, and attendees said they only stopped by to celebrate. But health officials had previously advised people to avoid large gatherings.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post revealed that, based on images at the party, some attendees did not wear masks and did not keep a safe distance.
Hong Kong is implementing extremely strict anti-Covid-19 policies with measures such as quarantine for up to 21 days. The special administrative region also banned dine-in service after 6 pm, closed nightclubs, bars, gyms and beauty salons.
