Virus hits Hong Kongers' daily life

The public hospitals have now started asking partners and families to not attend any births, so that there is less pressure on wards. Some women have even resorted to making WhatsApp groups to scrap cash together so that they can opt for a private birth, while others are traveling overseas.

The outbreak has increased the fear and distrust in authorities. Many supermarkets have been stripped of essentials, after rumours of shortages spread. The most valuable item, however, are surgical masks. At one pharmacy last week, there was a crowd of 10,000 people who camped overnight to get the masks.

Attitudes have changed since the outbreak. There have been clashes between the police and protestors, who are opposing the arrival of those infected from mainland China. One quaratine block was even firebombed. The anti-government sentiment, which was at an all-time high after violent protests, has only increased, and its changing Hong Kongers' daily lives.

In a city notorious for small apartment, children also fill the spaces as schools are closed and teachers are trying to implement online classes. Empty playgrounds can be seen all around. Many people are avoiding going to office, and are working from home. Although the streets are not deserted, there is an eerie silence across the city.

Walkable pavement, Quiet subway commute, and absent traffic jams: these are all unusual scenes in a place like Hong Kong.

For business owners, the virus has increased their worries. Ila Ng, owner of a bar in the city's most famous nightclub street, says the city is like a ghost town now. The outbreak has decreased their earnings by 50%.