Pedestrians in Hong Kong don surgical masks to guard themselves against a pneumonia outbreak that originated in Wuhan, Jan 8, 2020. (Photo: China Daily)

The Hong Kong SAR government on Tuesday announced it will allow civil servants and government employees to work at home until Feb 2, in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus in the community.

It also appealed to employers in the city to make similar arrangements.

Staff responsible for emergency and necessary public services will resume work on Wednesday as usual.

The government will review the special arrangement then.