FROM a distance of about three meters, the thermal scanner captured the above-normal temĀperature of arriving passenger Jean (not her real name) from Manila, Jan. 18. Jean was immeĀdiately asked to step aside, away from her PAL flight mates.
Theyāre not taking chances at Hong Kong airport. Not with the new strain of coronavirus ā so new itās labeled ānovelā ā that has set China and a few other Asian countries on edge. Jean was free to leave the interview room after a few questions, and in 15 minutes she was able to claim her luggage and join her friends.
Each time I set foot at its arrival or departure area, HKās airport looks different. Maintenance and renovation, even expansion, of the terminals are forever ongoing. This time, with the energetic proĀtest rallies not about to dissipate, airport authorities have added a feature thatās nothing more or less than what we have been used to at our own NAIA: Only departĀing passengers with passport and plane ticket to show the guard are allowed beyond the first line of seĀcurity at the entrance.
Another obvious change was the reduced size of the crowds going through arrival procedures. Days later, it was the same thing at the departure area ā fewer peoĀple lining up, browsing and shopĀping, although the restaurants, so many more now, come to think of it, were full whatever the time of day.
In Kowloon, it was pretty much the same, a thinning out of shopĀpers but restaurants as busy as always. Donāt believe stories that āallā stores are on sale; simply not true. Some stores were advertisĀing 20 percent off, but whatās 20 pc when youāre looking at high-end goods? Hotels appeared more willing to bring their rates down, although the Peninsula didnāt need to lure them in with lowered rates. High-tea time was someĀthing to watch, guests streamĀing in for scones and a relaxing afternoon surrounded by kiat-kiat orange trees, tigers and dragons, red lanterns and other symbols of wealth and luck.
Where have all the eager, dediĀcated shoppers from the Chinese mainland gone? And why are they afraid, in a manner of speaking, to queue for the most desired brandĀed luxury goods in HK? Theyāre shopping to their heartsā content in Macau, so I was told.