Hong Kong

Hong Kong ends mask mandate after 945 days

The virus is under control in Hong Kong with no major signs of a rebound, the city's leader John Lee said.

BBC reports under the mandate, which began in July 2020 and lasted for 945 days, people could be fined up to HK$5,000 (£530; $640).

"With the removal of the mandate, Hong Kong will return to normalcy," Mr Lee said on Tuesday.

"In this year and the coming year, we will go all out for the economy and development at full speed."

Before Wednesday, people living in Hong Kong had to wear a mask in any public area.

Tonga without big guns for World Cup playoff amid injuries

Outside back Folau, capped 73 times for Australia before his Wallabies contract was terminated in 2019, suffered a serious hamstring injury early in his Tonga debut in the 36-0 loss to hosts Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Coach Toutai Kefu told Reuters the dual code international could be sidelined for up to another 12 weeks.

Former New Zealand centre Fekitoa had returned to Irish club Munster after suffering a calf injury while fellow All Black Piutau had only committed to two matches during the Pacific Nations Cup, Kefu added.

Covid: Hong Kong's hospitals overwhelmed amid spike in cases

The government has admitted it is struggling to contain the fifth wave of infections, fuelled by Omicron. But it has ruled out a city-wide lockdown.

A record 4,285 new cases were reported on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the local leaders to take "all necessary measures", in a rare intervention.

The comments may signal tighter controls in China's special administrative region, which pursues a zero Covid policy - but without the strict mass testing and lockdowns seen in mainland China.

Nicole Kidman reportedly enters Hong Kong quarantine-free

The Australian actress's arrival in Hong Kong has sparked widespread anger after she was reportedly spotted out and about two days after touching down.

This is despite the region having some of the strictest rules in place, with up to 21 days' quarantine required.

There has been no direct, official comment on a possible exemption.

Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai detained for fraud

Yesterday a court denied him bail over a charge relating to the illegal use of his company's premises.

It comes a day after three prominent pro-democracy activists were jailed.

The cases have raised fears of a renewed crackdown on the city's activists and media figures, spurred by a controversial new security law.

Lai was arrested under the National Security Law earlier this year and later released on bail.

China has said the new law will return stability to the territory after a year of unrest, but critics say it has silenced dissent.

Hong Kong reports 'first case' of virus reinfection

They say genome sequencing shows the two strains of the virus are "clearly different", making it the world's first proven case of reinfection.

The World Health Organization warns it is important not to jump to conclusions based on the case of one patient.

And experts say reinfections may be rare and not necessarily serious.

There have been more than 23 million cases of coronavirus infection around the world.

Those infected develop an immune response as their bodies fight off the virus which helps to protect them against it returning.

Hong Kong reports biggest one-day rise in cases

At a Sunday press conference, Ms Lam said there had been more than 100 new infections, and announced new restrictions to contain the spread.

She described the situation as "really critical" and said there was "no sign" it was coming under control.

Non-essential civil servants must work from home and testing will increase.

The chief executive promised that authorities would carry out 10,000 tests a day, and also made wearing face masks compulsory in indoor public spaces. Face coverings were already mandatory on public transport.

Hong Kong police and protesters fight running battles

Protesters blocked roads and paralysed train services at peak times on a day of action across the city.

More than 200 flights were cancelled as the protests entered their ninth week.

Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, has pledged to restore law and order, rejecting calls for her resignation.

Initially the demonstrations, which began on 9 June, focused on a controversial extradition law, which would have allowed the transfer of suspects to mainland China. However, the protests have now become a wider challenge to Beijing's authority.

Hong Kong extradition: Protest mounts as controversial bill debated

Early on Wednesday protesters, some wearing face masks and helmets, blocked key roads around government buildings.

Police in riot gear responded by using pepper spray on protesters to disperse them and said they were prepared to use force.

The Legislative Council is set to debate the bill within hours.

Despite widespread opposition the government has said it will continue to push for extradition. A final vote is expected on 20 June where the pro-Beijing Legislative Council (LegCo) is expected to pass the bill.

PNG Barras defeat HK in opening match

Batting first, hosts Hong Kong were bowled out for only 145 in the 42nd over by an impressive Hebou PNG Barramundis' bowling attack. Charles Amini Jnr led the way for the Barramundis, picking up 4/33 off 9.3 overs while Norman Vanua (3/28) and Damien Ravu (1/23) picked up three and one wicket respectively.

Raag Kapur (38) and Aizaz Khan (31) were the only Hong Kong batsmen to register scores beyond 30 runs.