Hong Kong declares first COVID lockdown

3 VIEWS Hong Kong's government has declared its first lockdown in a bid to contain an ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus in one of the city's poorest and most densely populated districts. The lockdown, which affects about 10,000 residents in the Jordan neighbourhood in Kowloon, was announced with immediate effect on Saturday. The announcement came after a full day of speculation after some details were leaked to the press, which officials did not comment on, leading to confusion and panic-buying in the area. According to government statements, the "restricted area" will remain sealed off for 48 hours to allow…