Updated 4 October 2019
US Department of State and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel
Warnings: As of 4 October 2019, there are travel warnings to Hong Kong.
Both the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau and FCO have warnings that
reports suggest a number of protests are likely to take place on 5-7 October across Hong
Kong.
Situation:
Hong Kong continues in its 18th consecutive weekend of protests with several
demonstrations and events planned as reported by media, this does not mean that they
have been approved by authorities.
On Friday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced a ban on wearing face masks which took
effect at midnight. The new law immediately drew protesters out by the thousands across
Hong Kong. Shops and bank outlets with any perceived links to mainland China were
vandalized and some burned. MTR stations took so much damage that all railway services were shut down by late Friday night.
A 14-year-old boy was reportedly shot in the leg in Yuen Long. Both protesters and a plain
clothes policeman were involved in the area and no official report has yet been released as
to the exact sequence of events. This is the second protester shot with a live round and
within days of the last incident.
Saturday, October 5-
Media reports that protesters plan to gather in shopping malls in Kowloon and the New Territories at 1:00 p.m.
Rally to be held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 6 - reports of another rally at Victoria Park at 2:00 p.m.
Monday, October 7 - a rally at Prince Edward station is planned by protesters at 7:00 p.m.
October 7 marks the Chung Yeung Festival, a public holiday in Hong Kong.
There are also media reports that other protests or rallies could take place across Hong
Kong in response to the government’s decision to invoke the Emergency Regulations
Ordinance to ban face masks (to include face paint) at public gatherings.
** Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.
Possible Effects:
Likelihood of escalations in actions, protests and demonstrations from both protesters and law enforcement
Disrupted modes of transportation
Increased presence of law enforcement personnel and an increased willingness to use force against protesters
Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites
Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice
Blockades placed by police beforehand
Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark
Increased risk of violence breaking out between opposing protest groups
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent
Avoid discussing political topics in public or on social media
Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
If you are caught in a blockade:
Remain calm
Do not exit your vehicle
Call the authorities
Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 999
British Consulate-General at +(825) 2901 3000
Allow extra time for travel
Monitor local and social media for updates
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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