Hong Kong had barely begun returning to normal after more than six months of often violent protests when the coronavirus outbreak hit. Now, lingering resentments in a divided society have collided with the virus to create a perfect storm.
In a video widely circulated earlier this month, a crowd of people swarm a cart of toilet rolls in a Hong Kong supermarket, pushing, shoving, and even elbowing each other out of the way for the coveted goods.
Rumors had spread that toilet paper supply would be cut off due to new border closures with mainland China, implemented in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.The government's reassurances and calls for order went unheeded as millions of residents, gripped by fear and suspicion, descended on stores citywide to panic buy.The novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, was first detected in Hong Kong on January 22.
Hide Caption 120 of 160 Photos: Hong Kong unrestPolice retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.Hide Caption 121 of 160 Photos: Hong Kong unrestCell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.Hide Caption 122 of 160 Photos: Hong Kong unrestProtesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.Hide Caption 123 of 160 Photos: Hong Kong unrestTens of thousands of protesters showed up in the streets on August 18.
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