Hong Kong targets yacht parties in latest coronavirus curbs

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

Credit: Getty

Hong Kong’s yachts and rented party boats are the latest target for Covid-19 restrictions after police warned waterborne revelry risked spreading the coronavirus.

The territory has set up a hotline for residents to report unauthorised boat parties as the financial hub tightens social-distancing rules to contain a surge of virus cases.

Nightclubs and karaoke bars have already been closed, leaving some to switch to hosting parties onboard vessels.

“Whilst scheduled premises such as bars, bath houses and party rooms have been closed according to the law, the police noticed that a number of vessels have been hired for social gathering,” the police said in a statement, according to Bloomberg.

“Even privately owned yachts are sometimes used for such purpose. This greatly increased the risk of transmission of disease.”

Hong Kong has had more success containing the pandemic than many big cities, but cases are rising again with more than 70 cases daily over the past week.

“The reporting hotline newly set up is there because we see that, after party rooms and karaoke parlors have been made to close, there are a number of people who organise events at sea,” said Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive.

“We want to target such a breach.”

Hong Kong currently limits public gatherings at two people, but the government has not capped the number of people who can meet in private. Police representative did not elaborate on whether the measure would have any effect on private parties hosted by yacht owners.

Ms Lam earlier this week announced a new round of restrictions, including sending civil servants back to working from home, reducing restaurant-goers to two people per table and closing karaoke bars and mahjong parlors.

Authorities also plan to raise fines for breaking restrictions on group gatherings.