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Hong Kong’s pro-democracy advocates staged a demonstration Friday at a luxury downtown mall, defying strict social distancing measures aimed at containing the coronavirus.

The lunchtime gathering of around 100 people was one of the largest since the pandemic hit the city earlier this year, effectively halting pro-democracy protests that rocked Hong Kong since June, Bloomberg News reported.

The rally began at around 1 p.m., when a half-dozen protesters gathered in the central atrium of the International Finance Centre mall and laid banners on the floor, one of which read “Fight for freedom, stand with HK.”

They wore surgical masks, protective eye gear and other face coverings — used in the past to conceal their identities, and now, also to prevent the virus from spreading.

“Please be reminded to keep 1.5 meters away from each other!” one organizer urged participants.

Supporters on their lunch breaks unfurled banners over the atrium railings and yelled out slogans including: “If we burn, you burn with us!”

Hong Kong’s government imposed social-distancing measures beginning in late January. It tightened the restrictions — including a ban on public gatherings larger than four people — as a second wave of infections hit in mid-March.

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Pro-democracy protesters stage a rally in Hong Kong, defying coronavirus social distance rules.
Pro-democracy protesters stage a rally in Hong Kong, defying coronavirus social distance rules.REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Pro-democracy protesters stage a rally in Hong Kong, defying coronavirus social distance rules.
EPA/JEROME FAVRE
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Pro-democracy protesters stage a rally in Hong Kong, defying coronavirus social distance rules.
EPA/JEROME FAVRE
Pro-democracy protesters stage a rally in Hong Kong, defying coronavirus social distance rules.
REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
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But organizers said the masses would again take to the streets in opposition to Beijing’s tightening grip over the city, even if the government or police try to use social-distancing restrictions to curtail their freedom.

“I am worried about the police using this as an excuse to arrest people here, but I still think we should all be coming out and telling everyone that we still care about this movement,” a 30-year-old finance professional who gave his name as Chris told Bloomberg, adding that June and July would be busy months for the protesters.

“We should all wear a mask and keep our distance. But we need to resume our movement.”

Hong Kong reported no new infections on Friday, the 13th straight day of single-digit or no new cases.

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