Hong Kong: Leap year birthday ruined by virus fears Marian Choi, an engineer and mother of three, had been looking forward to celebrating her 10th birthday -- or, technically, her 40th -- with a big party on February 29. \\n\\nBut the Hong Konger's plans have been thwarted by fears over the new coronavirus and her elderly parents who live in Australia have cancelled their tickets to come and visit their daughter. \\n IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES