Introducing Ally Law’s COVIDAlly blog

Hong Kong, 24 March 2020: Every day, as we learn more about Covid-19 and witness its spread around the world, new questions arise. We understand that business owners and executives need information quickly in the face of this unprecedented challenge.

Boase Cohen & Collins can help. We are the sole Hong Kong member of Ally Law, a global legal services organisation comprising 72 firms in 46 jurisdictions. Ally Law’s COVIDAlly blog delivers first-hand information, insights and resources about this pandemic including information on data privacy, contract negotiations, employment matters, trade concerns and legal disputes. This one-stop resource can help you prevent, respond to, and mitigate the effects of this medical, business and economic challenge.

To obtain answers to these questions and more, I recommend that you subscribe to our COVIDAlly blog. I also encourage you to reach out to me directly if you have any questions on any subject. I am here to help and connect you to the right resources, at home and around the world.

In Hong Kong, where we have been affected by the Covid-19 epidemic for more than two months, we have seen some significant developments in recent days. In highlighting these, I believe it is important to stress that our city – having learned painful lessons from the SARS outbreak of 2003 – has responded sensibly and robustly to the extent that we are nowhere near as badly affected as many other jurisdictions.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Hong Kong have more than doubled in the past five days to just under 360, which is still less than 0.005% of the population. Imported cases are the major reason for this spike. As a consequence, our government has announced it is closing our borders to all non-residents and banning the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants. As well, strict quarantine regulations for recent arrivals are being implemented.

Further, the Judiciary has postponed a planned re-opening of the courts, which have been generally closed, apart from emergency hearings, since late January. This re-opening was to have been implemented yesterday but, in light of the increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, has been delayed for two weeks.

I should point out that, throughout this two month period, Boase Cohen & Collins’ office has remained open with our staff observing strict hygiene regulations. We will continue this considered and sensible approach to working arrangements with the health and wellbeing of staff, clients and community always uppermost in our minds.

With Covid-19 impacting the whole world, bringing unprecedented lockdown measures in many countries and generating some alarming headlines, I believe it is essential we retain perspective and enhance our knowledge of the situation we are facing. To this end, I’m once again appreciative of Hong Kong’s own Dr David Owens for letting me share his latest Covid-19 update.

Stay safe and well, everybody!

Colin Cohen
Senior Partner
Boase Cohen & Collins