Hong Kong to extend virus restrictions, slams UK over BNO

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday Hong Kong will extend social distancing measures with the city experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases.

The city recorded 107 new infections on Monday, its highest total so far in 2021.

Lam also said Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region government will support any countermeasures from China against the UK's move to allow a special category of Hong Kong "British National Overseas" (BNO) passport holders to settle in UK.

More than 300,000 of Hong Kong's 7 million residents hold BNO passports, according to the UK, more than double the number four years earlier.

Those who qualify can apply for visas enabling them and their immediate family members to live and work in the UK and eventually apply for citizenship, the British government says.

However, they must show they have the means to support themselves in the UK for six months, and will not be entitled to public support.