International SOS Member Site - - Country Report 7/21/20, 3:47 PM Hong Kong (China SAR) Risk Ratings LOW MEDICAL RISK for Hong Kong (China SAR) LOW TRAVEL RISK for Hong Kong (China SAR) Know My Risks ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please see our: Medical and Security Alerts for Hong Kong (China SAR) COVID-19 information for Hong Kong (China SAR) Dedicated COVID-19 website ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stringent restrictions and measures have been implemented to entry into and travel within the city during the COVID-19 outbreak. Members should defer all travel to Hong Kong. Those within country should abide by all official orders and measures. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is generally a safe travel destination and foreign visitors or expatriates are unlikely to encounter any significant security problems. Nevertheless, petty crime and scams can occur in the main business, shopping and entertainment districts of Hong Kong island and Kowloon. Occasional muggings have also been reported in parks and rural areas. Hong Kong has no indigenous terrorist groups and faces a low risk from terrorism. There has been an escalation in anti-government protest activity since June 2019, which has involved near-daily demonstrations in the city. Flashpoints see regular incidents of unruly demonstrations and clashes between protesters and the security forces. Short-notice transport disruption can be expected during this period. While travellers are not directly targeted by either protesters or security force action, there is an increased potential for incidental injury if travellers are caught in the vicinity of unruly demonstrations. STANDING TRAVEL ADVICE Alerts Hong Kong: Closely monitor developments related to implementation of national security law; avoid all gatherings (Revised) Continue to plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by heavy rain, flooding (Revised) COVID-19: New entry restrictions to be imposed from 25 July; continue to defer travel View All Alerts Alerts Hong Kong: Closely monitor developments related to implementation of national security law; avoid all gatherings (Revised) Created and/or Modified: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 18:42:49 GMT Level: Advisory Location: Hong Kong (China SAR),China - Hong Kong (China SAR),China Category: Protest/Rally, Civil unrest, Road disruption Following the recent passage of the national security law (NSL), members in Hong Kong (China SAR) should continue monitoring the security situation and avoid any https://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/PrintDisplayPR.aspx Page 1 of 24 International SOS Member Site - - Country Report 7/21/20, 3:47 PM related protests. Managers should review the impact of the law on their operational risks and take associated precautions. Since 1 July, the authorities have begun enforcing the NSL against local activists and demonstrators. The legislation is likely to provide added deterrence against major protests and acts of violence by hardline elements. However, further protests are possible in the coming weeks, especially during weekends and around key commemorative dates for demonstrators. Advice Inbound travellers Defer all travel to Hong Kong given significantly reduced travel options to/from the territory amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as potential entry bans or quarantine at the next destination. Review all documents and electronic devices carried into Hong Kong for reference to potentially sensitive topics. Managers Ensure that employees are aware of related operational risks associated with breaching the NSL, amid the potential for fines, suspension of business operations, or action against any personnel in violation. Conduct profile and context specific risk assessments for activities and employees which could potentially be problematic under the NSL. Ensure that there is a robust and stringent risk assessment and clearance process for any potentially sensitive activities. Review organisational cyber-security practices to prevent unauthorised access and information leakage. Ensure all staff operating in Hong Kong practice stringent information security measures. These include encryption of important information to protect against unauthorised access, adhering to any mandated access control policies and data classification, and exercising caution in the content of communications. Staff should also practice adequate cyber security measures such as ensuring that devices are well secured, use of multi-factor authentication and avoiding connecting to insecure wi-fi networks. Members in Hong Kong Avoid any actions or comments which could be perceived as problematic under the NSL, especially those that may be construed as aiding protesters. Such actions can encompass publications/products/individual postings, as well as providing donations or financial support, including to foreign associations. Practice stringent information security protocols at all times in accordance with your organisation’s regulations. These include taking the necessary encryption measures to protect against unauthorised access, adhering to any mandated access control policies and data classification, and exercising caution with regard to the content of communications. Ensure devices are well secured and avoiding connecting to insecure wi-fi networks. Exercise vigilance when travelling in the city, especially near locations where unruly protests have previously occurred, such as the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex, police stations, Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations and shopping centres. Consult the MTR app and website for up-to-date information. Be prepared to make alternative transport arrangements. Avoid all protests due to the potential for localised unrest and in compliance with current social distancing measures. In the event of disturbances, and where possible to do so safely, move to a secure location, such as your accommodation or office. Remain there until the situation has stabilised. Monitor the latest government announcements on restrictions. Follow all directives issued by the authorities and avoid actions that may be perceived as provocative by protesters or the security forces, such as attempting to cross roadblocks or taking photographs of gatherings. Liaise with local contacts and monitor our Hong Kong alerts for any indication of increased levels of social unrest. Be wary of biased reporting and misinformation. More detail Impact of the NSL The legislation will provide the police with increased enforcement and surveillance capabilities. The NSL criminalises activities defined as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign countries, while providing for stiff legal penalties including lengthy jail terms. It is possible for foreign nationals to be affected by the NSL. Law enforcement agencies are permitted to conduct searches of private properties without a warrant, restrict suspects’ movements, freeze their assets, intercept communications and require internet service providers to remove information. Under the law, the authorities can also apply for a warrant to demand that suspected violators surrender their travel documents, restricting them from leaving the territory. Impact on protests There has been a mixed response from protesters. Some activist groups have begun disbanding and deleting social media accounts, while other demonstrators remain intent on marking key dates with gatherings. Flashpoint dates include commemorations on 30 and 31 July, while Legislative Council elections scheduled for late August could elicit gatherings. A re-imposed COVID-19-related ban on social gatherings of more than four people is in effect until at least 28 July. Wider police powers of arrest under the NSL should deter large-scale demonstrations. The police are liable to use tough measures to disperse any protests that do take place. Tear gas and pepper pellets on 1 July were fired to break up rallies attended by thousands of people in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts (both Hong Kong Island). Ten people were arrested for the alleged possession or display of slogans deemed inappropriate under the NSL, while another 370 were detained for participating in the protests. On 21 July, one person was arrested on suspicion of violating NSL and another four, including some activists, were detained for participating in protests during commemorative events of the Yuen Long incident. Additionally, at least 79 people were fined on violations of COVID-19-related social-distancing rules. The police had also widened ‘Stop and Search’ operation to news media reporters and condemned personnel who could not provide press passes while covering events on 21 July. Law enforcement capabilities will continue to limit the ability of hardline protesters to successfully use weapons such as pipe bombs or other explosive devices against government targets. However, the police may not always be successful in thwarting such plans, as highlighted by a recent series of petrol bomb attacks on police stations. International response US president Donald Trump signed an executive order ending Hong Kong’s special trading status by halting defence exports and restricting access to high-technology products. He has also enacted a bill imposing sanctions on banks that do business with select Chinese officials