Hong Kong is imposing a temporary blockade on residents at critical points of the coronavirus – the first time in the city’s battle against Covid-19.
In a statement released earlier on Saturday, the Hong Kong government issued a “restriction test statement”, which requires residents of parts of Jordan’s busy neighborhood to remain on its premises and pass mandatory government-organized tests.
Jordan, on the Kowloon peninsula, is a dense and prosperous urban area, with tall apartments, businesses and restaurants. The enclosed area includes Temple Street, which houses the iconic night market popular with tourists.
About 10,000 residents were affected by the blockade, the government information office told CNN on Saturday.
Building residents in the designated area are prohibited from leaving their homes until the test is completed. The government says the mandatory test should last 48 hours.
Hong Kong Environment Secretary Wong Kam-sin said at a news conference on Saturday that water from the pipes in several buildings in the area was being tested to see if the coronavirus is spreading through the sewer.
In a separate statement on Saturday, the Hong Kong government announced that roads in the “restricted area” would be closed to traffic.
Hong Kong recorded 61 new Covid-19s on Friday, including 55 local broadcasts.