ENG-2020 — Page 18

Calendar of Events

2020

27

February

4

00

8

11

12

14

19

The government announces that all schools will extend their Chinese New Year holidays until 16 February. Classes are subsequently suspended until gradual resumption from 27 May.

The government imposes new entry restrictions to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Hubei residents and those who have visited the province in the preceding 14 days (except for Hong Kong residents) are not permitted to enter Hong Kong until further notice.

The first local case (unknown source) of novel coronavirus is reported.

The Hospital Authority reports the first death in Hong Kong of a patient confirmed to have the novel coronavirus.

The government closes all passenger boundary control points with the Mainland, except those at Hong Kong International Airport, Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong- Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

The Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation comes into effect, imposing a 14-day compulsory quarantine on people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland.

The World Health Organisation officially names the disease caused by the novel coronavirus as 'COVID-19'

The Hospital Authority reports the discharge of the first patient recovered from COVID-19.

The Chief Executive announces the setting up of the Anti-epidemic Fund to help local residents and businesses tide over the COVID-19 situation. On 21 February, the Legislative Council Finance Committee approves the government's application for $30 billion to establish the fund.

Phase 1 of the MTR's Tuen Ma Line opens, connecting Wu Kai Sha and Kai Tak. Work began on the Tuen Ma Line in 2012 and when completed it will be the longest railway line in Hong Kong, running 56 kilometres with 27 stations, encompassing the former Ma On Shan Line and the West Rail Line.

The government arranges three chartered flights between 19 and 23 February to bring home 193 Hong Kong residents on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan, because of a cluster of confirmed COVID-19

cases.

The Department of Health activates the newly completed Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan as a quarantine centre. The estate ceases to be used as quarantine centre in end-September and is returned to the Housing Department in mid-October for intake of residents.

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