A fourth wave of Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong has further deferred the launch of the air travel bubble with Singapore to 2021, while several planned events for the festive season have also been cancelled.
While a revised date for the travel bubble will likely be announced later this month, Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has urged residents to stay at home as the city enters into what could be their worst Covid-19 wave to date.
"The next weeks will be critical so unless necessary, I hope residents can stay at home, especially the elderly. People should avoid social gatherings even if at home," Lam said at her weekly press conference on 1 December.
As for the festive line-up, Hong Kong Tourism Board has enforced tighter social distancing measures for the upcoming Hong Kong WinterFest, Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations, and Chinese New Year Celebrations.
WinterFest, which started 4 December, is being held virtually, with virtual tour of Christmas Town, and activities such as wreath-making.
The countdown to 2021 will also be different, without the iconic fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
Looking ahead to Chinese New Year, the parade which traditionally welcomes performing groups from worldwide, will no longer be. Instead, the tourism body is exploring the possibility of an online-offline event — much like the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. The F&B event's online masterclasses in particular, has attracted close to half a million in viewership numbers.