In the face of tear gas and pepper spray , demonstrators have used goggles , homemade masks and umbrellas to protect themselves . NEW : 37 branches or offices of 21 banks are closed Tuesday in Hong Kong . The government said the closures were necessary to protect public safety and prevent a repeat of last year's massive protests against Beijing's decision to allow more than 1 million mainland Chinese into the city. Protesters pack streets wearing masks and protective goggles . `` We had to use force '' on protesters , a police official says .
NEW : 37 branches or offices of 21 banks are closed Tuesday in Hong Kong . The government said the closures were necessary to protect public safety and prevent a repeat of last year's massive protests against Beijing's decision to allow more than 1 million mainland Chinese into the city. Protesters pack streets wearing masks and protective goggles . `` We had to use force '' on protesters , a police official says .