Hong Kong

The government has admitted it is struggling to contain the fifth wave of infections, fuelled by Omicron. But it has ruled out a city-wide lockdown.

A record 4,285 new cases were reported on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the local leaders to take "all necessary measures", in a rare intervention.

The comments may signal tighter controls in China's special administrative region, which pursues a zero Covid policy - but without the strict mass testing and lockdowns seen in mainland China.

At a Sunday press conference, Ms Lam said there had been more than 100 new infections, and announced new restrictions to contain the spread.

She described the situation as "really critical" and said there was "no sign" it was coming under control.

Non-essential civil servants must work from home and testing will increase.

The chief executive promised that authorities would carry out 10,000 tests a day, and also made wearing face masks compulsory in indoor public spaces. Face coverings were already mandatory on public transport.

Forty-nine students transited through Hong Kong while four came through Narita in Japan.

It was reported that the students were thoroughly screened and their supplementary health declaration entry forms were collected for further surveillance by the rapid response and surveillance team.

This newsroom was told that all these students were quarantined in China before being released.

However, it is understood the students will be kept in Port Moresby within the 14-day incubation surveillance period.

Protesters blocked roads and paralysed train services at peak times on a day of action across the city.

More than 200 flights were cancelled as the protests entered their ninth week.

Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, has pledged to restore law and order, rejecting calls for her resignation.

Initially the demonstrations, which began on 9 June, focused on a controversial extradition law, which would have allowed the transfer of suspects to mainland China. However, the protests have now become a wider challenge to Beijing's authority.

Early on Wednesday protesters, some wearing face masks and helmets, blocked key roads around government buildings.

Police in riot gear responded by using pepper spray on protesters to disperse them and said they were prepared to use force.

The Legislative Council is set to debate the bill within hours.

Despite widespread opposition the government has said it will continue to push for extradition. A final vote is expected on 20 June where the pro-Beijing Legislative Council (LegCo) is expected to pass the bill.

These were made known in a brief closed-door bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, November 19^th.

 On behalf of Hong Kong’s Premier, Lam told Prime Minister O’Neill that Hong Kong is happy to share its experiences with PNG in various aspects as far as capacity building is concerned.

“We look forward to seeing you again in future meetings or when you next visit Hong Kong.”

Batting first, hosts Hong Kong were bowled out for only 145 in the 42nd over by an impressive Hebou PNG Barramundis' bowling attack. Charles Amini Jnr led the way for the Barramundis, picking up 4/33 off 9.3 overs while Norman Vanua (3/28) and Damien Ravu (1/23) picked up three and one wicket respectively.

Raag Kapur (38) and Aizaz Khan (31) were the only Hong Kong batsmen to register scores beyond 30 runs.

Batting first in the final, Hong Kong posted an impressive 8/158 off their allotted 20 overs, mainly thanks to a quick-fire 72 runs off just 38 balls from Aizaz Khan at the top of the order.

Aizaz Khan was ably supported by Waqas Khan who made a valuable 39 runs off just 35 balls in the middle order while for the Hebou PNG Barramundis, Chad Soper (2/14), Jason Kila (2/24) and Norman Vanua (2/37) continued their great form with the ball during the series by picking up a couple of wickets apiece.

The Hebou PNG Barramundis continued their impressive form in the T20 Series by posting another imposing total of 9/161 off their allotted 20 over in the final.

It was a team effort with a total of five Barramundis’ batsmen scoring more 20 runs throughout the innings, with Assad Vala top scoring with the bat with a brilliant 37 runs off just 33 balls. Tanveer Ahmed was the stand-out bowler for Hong Kong, taking an incredible 5/48.  

The visitors will be travelling to Port Moresby to compete in the series which will comprise of a T20 and a 50 Over Series.

The T20 Series will take place from 1-7th October, featuring the Hebou PNG Barramundis, Hong Kong and the CPNG Academy XI. Each team will play each other twice with the top two (2) teams playing off in the final on Sunday 7th October, 2018.

The three (3) match 50 Over Series will take place straight after the T20 Series between the Hebou PNG Barramundis and Hong Kong on the 9th, 10th and 12th October.