HKTDC reschedules Book Fair

Hong Kong, 13th July: After months of very few new cases, Hong Kong has experienced a recent increase in “community transmitted” COVID-19 cases. In the past week, Hong Kong has recorded daily case numbers of between 10 and 40. As a result of this, the Hong Kong government has ordered a number of businesses to temporarily close (bars, restaurants, gyms, etc.) and implemented restrictions on public gatherings. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was then forced reschedule several of its events: the Hong Kong Book Fair, the Sports and Leisure Expo, the Education and Careers Expo and Entrepreneur Day.

The Hong Kong Book Fair attracted nearly one million visitors in 2019 which resulted its cancellation. A number of virtual seminars from the Entrepreneur Day event will continue to be broadcast live online as scheduled on 16th and 17th July. The new arrangements for the physical exhibitions will be announced at a later date. The Hong Kong government also restated its pledge of support for the events industry as part of the Anti-Epidemic Fund. However, that financial support has been delayed until the local virus numbers drop.