ENG-2020 — Page 27

Calendar of Events

2020

17

The Basic Law 30th Anniversary Legal Summit is held online.

19

20

25

29

The government 'firmly opposes' and 'strongly condemns' a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US which has made deliberate misrepresentation regarding the decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) on the qualification of four members of the Legislative Council. The NPCSC decision is constitutional, lawful and necessary, and sets out clearly the consequences of LegCo members violating the legal prerequisites of upholding the Basic Law and swearing allegiance to the HKSAR.

The Chief Executive attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2020 Economic Leaders' Meeting via video conferencing.

In delivering the 2020 Policy Address, the Chief Executive says that its objective is to restore Hong Kong's constitutional order, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's strengths and diversify its economic development, and build on past efforts to continue to improve people's well-being, with a view to resolving Hong Kong's immediate and long-term social problems.

In light of the worsening situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government announces that all schools will suspend face-to-face classes from 2 December until the Christmas holidays.

December

1

10

11

12

16

18

Television broadcasting in Hong Kong becomes fully digital, with analogue broadcasts no longer available in the city.

Tightened restrictions take effect in response to the COVID-19 situation, banning catering premises from selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on their premises between 6pm and 5am the next day. Bars remain closed, and no more than two people may be seated together at one table within any catering premises.

Statutory maternity leave is increased from 10 weeks to 14 weeks.

The government announces it has reached agreement with three suppliers to each provide 7.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine: Sinovac Biotech, Fosun Pharma/BioNTech and AstraZeneca/University of Oxford. The vaccines are expected to arrive in batches from January 2021 at the earliest.

Witnessed by the Chief Executive, 12 under-secretaries and 14 political assistants swear to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR at an oath-taking ceremony at the Central Government Offices.

Witnessed by the Chief Executive, permanent secretaries, heads of department and senior directorate civil servants take an oath that they will uphold the Basic Law, bear allegiance to the HKSAR, be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the HKSAR Government at an oath-taking ceremony at the Central Government Offices.

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