COVID-19 Emergency Response Activated
Lam raises Hong Kong's disease response level to Emergency and chairs a high-level command structure to coordinate measures against the novel coronavirus.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
2020 in Hong Kong
Explore 21 historical events and records for Hong Kong in 2020.
Historical records for Hong Kong in 2020
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 21 of 21 unique records.
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January
Hubei Entry Restrictions
The Government restricts entry by non-residents from Hubei and people recently present there in an effort to reduce imported coronavirus infections.
Cross-Boundary Travel Reduced
Lam announces major reductions in cross-boundary passenger services and temporary closure of several control points to limit movement during the coronavirus outbreak.
February
First Anti-Epidemic Fund Approved
Legislative Council funding establishes a thirty-billion-dollar Anti-epidemic Fund to strengthen disease control and provide relief to affected businesses and residents.
Budget Relief Package
The Government presents a large relief package in the 2020-21 Budget to support households and businesses facing severe economic disruption from COVID-19.
March
Overseas Arrival Quarantine Announced
The Government announces compulsory quarantine for people arriving from overseas countries and territories as imported COVID-19 cases increase sharply.
Overseas Non-Resident Entry Ban Announced
Lam announces that non-Hong Kong residents arriving by air from overseas will be denied entry as part of stronger measures against imported infections.
April
Second Anti-Epidemic Fund Package Announced
Lam announces a second large package of wage subsidies, business assistance and household support to counter the economic effects of the pandemic.
Second Anti-Epidemic Fund Approved
Legislative Council funding approval allows the Government to implement the second round of Anti-epidemic Fund measures and the Employment Support Scheme.
May
NPC National Security Decision Welcomed
Lam welcomes the National People's Congress decision to establish a legal and enforcement framework for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.
June
National Anthem Ordinance Signed
Lam signs the National Anthem Ordinance after its passage by the Legislative Council, bringing the legislation into force through formal promulgation.
National Security Law
The national security law takes effect in Hong Kong.
July
National Security Committee Established
The Government establishes the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the new security framework.
First National Security Committee Meeting
The Committee for Safeguarding National Security holds its first meeting to begin coordinating policy and implementation responsibilities under the new legal framework.
Legislative Council Election Postponed
Lam's government postpones the Legislative Council general election for one year, citing the severe local COVID-19 epidemic and public-health risks.
August
Universal Community Testing Announced
The Government announces a territory-wide voluntary testing programme intended to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 infections and interrupt community transmission chains.
September
Universal Community Testing Launched
Hong Kong launches free universal community testing at centres across the territory, with Lam inspecting operations on the programme's first day.
Third Anti-Epidemic Fund Announced
The Government announces a third round of Anti-epidemic Fund measures to support sectors and residents affected by continuing pandemic restrictions.
November
Legislators Disqualified under NPCSC Decision
The Government announces the immediate disqualification of four Legislative Council members following a decision by the National People's Congress Standing Committee.
Policy Address 2020
Lam presents the 2020 Policy Address with proposals on economic recovery, integration with national development, housing and governance after a turbulent year.
December
Fourth Anti-Epidemic Fund Approved
Legislative Council funding approval enables the Government to implement a fourth round of targeted Anti-epidemic Fund relief for sectors hit by restrictions.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.