Hong Kong is locking down thousands of residents for the first time over the weekend to contain a worsening outbreak of the coronavirus.
The unprecedented step for the Yau Ma Tei and Jordan areas — known for their night markets — was announced in a government statement at 4 a.m. local time. Authorities aim to complete the exercise within 48 hours, it said.
"The government understands the residents in the district are worried and anxious because of the increase in confirmed cases in recent days,” it said. "Under the epidemic, their livelihood is seriously affected as businesses in the area have been hit hard and brought to a standstill.”
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