Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Hong Kong Bans Annual Tiananmen March, Citing COVID Concerns

Verna Yu

   HONG KONG - Hong Kong has prohibited a planned annual march to mourn
   the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and effectively
   banned a candlelit annual vigil that has taken place without
   interruption for 30 years, the organizer said Thursday.

   The Hong Kong police banned a march and two rallies that were to take
   place on May 31, citing the risk of COVID-19 infection, said Richard
   Tsoi, spokesman for the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic
   Democratic Movements of China.

   The government has also effectively banned the vigil for the Tiananmen
   Square massacre, which has taken place annually since 1990 and been
   attended by tens of thousands, sometimes more than 100,000, people.
   Tsoi said while police have yet to formally respond to an application
   for the annual vigil, to be held in Victoria Park, they were not
   optimistic.

   Tsoi expressed his group's dissatisfaction with the government's
   decision.

   "I can't believe there had been no political considerations in killing
   these protest events," he told VOA, adding that social distancing
   measures have eased for many other gatherings.

   After many days without local transmissions of COVID-19, the
   authorities have in recent weeks announced the easing of some
   restrictions, including allowing restaurants, bars and many public
   facilities including swimming pools and libraries to reopen, but not
   sports grounds. Saunas, party venues, nightclubs and karaoke bars will
   reopen May 28 while students from upper forms at high schools can
   return to their classrooms starting May 27.

   Hong Kong's secretary for food and health, Sophia Chan, told reporters
   Tuesday authorities had extended social distancing measures for 14
   days, limiting gatherings to eight until June 4, which is the crackdown
   anniversary. The restrictions, implemented to prevent the spread of
   COVID-19, were to expire Thursday.

   The extension means the annual June 4 vigil led by pro-democracy groups
   can't be held at the massive lawn and football grounds at downtown
   Victoria Park for the first time in three decades but officials
   dismissed allegations that political considerations were involved.

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