ENG-2020 — Page 28

Calendar of Events

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The Court of Final Appeal rules that the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, and the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation made under it in October 2019 by the Chief Executive in Council to prohibit face covering at public processions and gatherings, are constitutional and that the restrictions imposed are proportionate.

The government bans flights from the UK in response to a new more transmissible variant of COVID-19 found there. This measure is extended to South Africa on

25 December.

The government commences the Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme, mandating all incoming travellers who have stayed in places outside China to undergo compulsory quarantine at designated quarantine hotels.

The Chief Secretary for Administration leads a team of expert advisors and senior officials to meet with experts and senior officials of the National Health Commission and other ministries in Shenzhen to exchange views on ways and means of fighting the pandemic.

The compulsory quarantine period is extended to 21 days for all incoming travellers. who have stayed in places other than Mainland China, Taiwan and Macao on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or in the preceding 21 days.

The 5-km Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel, Hong Kong's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel, opens to traffic, shortening the travel distance between Tuen Mun South and the airport by around 22km and the journey time by around 20 minutes.

Responding to public concerns, the Water Supplies Department halts demolition of a century-old underground reservoir in Sham Shui Po, which was originally constructed with stone pillars and brick arches. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong Wai-lun, says the site should be preserved and rehabilitated.

Police receive at Shenzhen Bay Port two suspects intercepted on board a boat in Mainland waters by Guangdong Coast Guard for unlawfully crossing the boundary on 23 August.

Unemployment rate climbs to 6.6 per cent during October to December, the highest in 16 years.

With an annual mean temperature of 24.4 degrees, and 11 out of the 12 months warmer than usual, 2020 is Hong Kong's second hottest since records began in 1884.

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