Hong Kong Government orders closure of pubs and bars. Credit: Amie Johnson on Unsplash.

The Hong Kong Government has issued an order to shut all the pubs and bars in the country for 14 days beginning today, due to coronavirus Covid-19 crisis.

With this initiative, the government intends to curb the spread of the pandemic.

The current ban covers bars, pubs, and any catering business locations or club-house that sell or supply alcohol.

Violators of the rule will face imprisonment for six and also will have to pay a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,450).

In a statement, the Hong Kong Government said: “Any premises (commonly known as bar or pub) that are exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors … must be closed.”

In order to stop the spread of the virus, the Hong Kong Government last week stopped all tourist arrivals and transit passengers at its airport and also halted sales of alcohol at some places.

The government said that the decision to close pubs and bars was taken after 62 confirmed coronavirus cases were linked to bars. These cases further led to 14 additional infections, including in a 40-day-old baby.

People can, however, buy alcohol from supermarkets and convenience stores.