26 January 2020 – Large scale events cancelled

Type of Intervention: Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Finance/Economy, Media/Arts/Culture, Tourism
Level of Jurisdiction: Special Administrative Region
Lead People/Agency: The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam

Overview: Although there is no local infection case at the moment, the HKSAR Government will cancel large-scale events in the coming future which it organises or arranges and are expected to be attended by many people. Apart from the International Chinese New Year Carnival and the Lunar New Year Cup football tournament which have been cancelled earlier, lantern carnivals organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also be cancelled. The HKSAR Government has reached a consensus with the organiser of the Hong Kong Marathon that the event originally scheduled for February 9 will also be cancelled. In addition, as the HKSAR Government has to focus on fighting the disease, various types of Chinese New Year receptions hosted by the HKSAR Government, including the one hosted by the Chief Executive in the Government House, will be cancelled. The HKSAR Government appeals to community groups to take public health risks into account in organising any event.
Full details here: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202001/26/P2020012600087.htm?fontSize=1

Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group, Advice of EXTERNAL expert advisor or advisory committee, Perception of an increased threat
Evidence/Justification: Activation of Emergency Response Level