China Orders Senior Officials in Hong Kong to Take Action Against 'No Mask Parties'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In Hong Kong, where large gatherings are being controlled due to the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, it has been revealed that more than 10 senior government officials enjoyed a 'double standard in quarantine' party, prompting the Chinese government to order swift action against them.

On the 10th, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing a source close to the Chinese government, reported, "The Chinese government has ordered Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, to take swift action against officials who ignored the authorities' warnings."

The controversial party held on the 3rd at a restaurant was attended by 13 senior officials, including Casper Chui, Secretary for Home Affairs (ministerial level), Raymond Siu, Commissioner of Police, and Okawang, Director of Immigration, as well as 20 Legislative Council members. At the time, Hong Kong authorities had closed gyms, bars, and clubs and advised against attending parties without masks.

The party became public after a COVID-19 case was confirmed, leading to about 100 people, including high-ranking officials, being quarantined in government facilities. Photos showing attendees singing without masks and eating and drinking spread on social media, causing public outrage.

SCMP also cited another source saying, "The Chinese government is increasing pressure on the Hong Kong government to punish Cathay Pacific Airways." This is due to local Omicron infections in Hong Kong originating from Cathay Pacific flight attendants.

SCMP stated, "The public health emergency is rapidly becoming a political crisis for Chief Executive Lam," adding, "Hong Kong is on the brink of the fifth wave of COVID-19 just before the upcoming Chief Executive election, in which no candidates, including Lam, have yet declared their intention to run."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.