Which roads will close over Christmas? Hong Kong gears up for partygoers, but police urge caution amid rising Covid cases
- Police anticipate larger crowds than in recent years after host of anti-epidemic measures scrapped
- Closures will affect Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District from 2pm Saturday until early hours of Sunday
Hongkongers heading out to celebrate Christmas should plan their journeys carefully as parts of the city will be closed to traffic this weekend, and police have urged residents to keep their masks on as bigger crowds are expected downtown following the latest easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Officers on Friday announced road closures in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and at the West Kowloon Cultural District would take effect from Saturday afternoon until Christmas Day morning.
Police said they anticipated larger crowds than recent years after a host of anti-epidemic measures were scrapped from Thursday.
Residents are no longer required to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test result when entering bars or attending banquets. Authorities have also ended the cap on banquets, previously set at 240, but patrons are expected to abide by the city’s mask mandate in public places and stick to a limit of 12 diners per table.
“Most Hongkongers have not headed out to see the Christmas lights for the past three years,” said Lau Tat-fai, the acting senior superintendent of traffic for Kowloon West.
