Many Hongkongers dined by the curb-side, as authorities limited restaurants only to takeaways. The public health policy seemed to backfire as local media captured images of people dining in areas with different kinds of hygiene issues.
Scroll down for the full script.
(Aired on ViuTVSix on 1 September 2020)
Full Script:
Day one of new restrictions banning dining-in at restaurants.
At noon and in the summer heat, many Hongkongers struggled to find a decent place for a quick meal.
Some crouched by the kerbside. Others ate standing up.
When it seemed things couldn't get any worse, rain sent people eating on the street scurrying for cover.
(Voxpop)
"This is agony, it's worse than dying. Hongkongers work so hard every day, and we can't even eat comfortably."
People ate in transport interchanges, on top of upturned crates, under bridges, and in public parks.
These employees at a government waste-collection point ate where they worked, despite the obvious hygiene issues.
This worker explained her offices are off-limits for most employees during lunchtime.
Also starting today, everyone must wear a face masks at all times, in all public areas.
People aren't allowed to take them off while exercising.
Offenders could face a maximum penalty of $5000, but some runners said it's difficult to follow the rules precisely.
(Voxpop)
"I really can't do anything about it, I need to breathe."
Some people said they agree with the new mask-wearing rules.
(Voxpop)
"I think it feels safer now around here, many runners didn't use to wear masks before."
Smoking is also not exempted under the new rules. It's now also against the rules to have gatherings of more than two people.
But reporters saw many residents at this public housing estate in Tai Hang Tung breaking that rule.
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