Paul Wang

According to the pro-democracy movement, police killed three people on 31 August 2019, a claim the government has refuted. Hundreds of riot police blocked an MTR exit. Because of the pandemic, groups of more than four people are banned. The health crisis is being used to stifle freedom.

The measures to contain the epidemic are valid until 7 May: social distancing, ban on gatherings with more than four people, closure of entertainment venues such as bars, hairdressers, karaoke, etc. The pro-Beijing union FTU agrees with the police. The democratic union, CTU, says it can guarantee distances. Fears that the police will use coronavirus as an excuse to "ban" freedoms.

According to the Hong Kong Constitution, the Liaison Office and the Office for Relations with Hong Kong and Macao cannot interfere in internal affairs. China and the local government had argued otherwise. Beijing pressure on arrests and sentences of anti-extradition demonstrators. Xi Jinping fears that the wave of democracy will also overflow in China.

Chris Patten says "Beijing wants to throttle Hong Kong". Luo Huining, often referred to as "Xi Jinping’s man", wants to oust the opposition from parliament. Judges denounce pressure from Beijing, which wants to reserve power "for the single party". The Hong Kong government confusion, as it lines up behind Luo Huining.

Those arrested include the “father of Hong Kong democracy” Martin Lee, trade unionist Lee Cheuk-yan, and barrister Margaret Ng. All of them are accused of “organising and participating in unlawful assemblies” on 18 August and 1 October 2019. For pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo, it is the start of a “reign of terror”.

Asean countries, China, Japan, South Korea maintain WHO plays "an important role". Scott Morrison appreciates Trump's criticisms, but the body's work is critical. John Sawers, former British intelligence chief: Take it out on China, not the WHO.

Violent crackdown against pro-democracy protests sinks trust in the police. Almost 500 officers resigned during the months of protest. Since June 2019, more than 7,600 people have been arrested, 17 per cent under the age of 18.

Dozens of people gathered to remember the victims of the violence of August 31st. For the coronavirus emergency, gatherings with more than four people have been banned for four days. Police accused of abusing emergency law. 58% support the democratic movement born out of resistance to the extradition law. 63% want the resignation of Carrie Lam, chief executive.

The three are due to appear before judges on May 5. All accused of participating in the illegal march on August 31, which ended with police violence in Prince Edward station. The new policy of Xia Baolong, a friend of Xi Jinping, against the democratic movement.

People have stocked up on rice, pork, chicken, fruit, vegetables, and seafood. The supply of surgical masks, rubber gloves, and disinfectants has run out. The number of coronavirus-affected cases now stands at 24. The virus is now spreading directly through local contacts unrelated with the mainland.

The 14-day quarantine applies to Chinese, Hong Kong people, foreigners. The strike continues for medical personnel who want the total closure of the borders with China. A ship with 3600 passengers stranded at the Kai Tak terminal. The diocese advises the faithful not to go to mass to avoid large gatherings. It is suggested to pray at home with the bible, follow mass on television, recite the rosary. Those who go to church are asked to use masks, stay away from each other, not to sing.

The man who died in Hong Kong had been in Wuhan on January 21st. He infected his mother, who lived with him. He already had some disease. Chief executive Carrie Lam closes almost all ports and routes of communication with China. In the country, the number of infected rises to 20,472; 23,214 cases not yet confirmed. Another 151 cases are registered in 23 countries worldwide. The Politburo admits "shortcomings and difficulties" in managing the epidemic. Macau closes casinos.