Hong Kong to ban flights from UK from December 22

Hong Kong will ban all flights arriving from the United Kingdom from midnight local time on Monday, becoming the first city in Asia to announce such a halt after a new super-virulent strain of the novel coronavirus was identified in Britain, Reuters reported.
File photo: A woman, wearing a face mask following the coronavirus disease outbreak, sorts luggage at Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China October 20, 2020. /Reuters

With authorities in the densely packed financial hub seeking to curb already-rising case numbers, Health Secretary Sophia Chan said on Monday there was a need to launch more vigorous and targeted measures to prevent further spreading of COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

Asian nations including Japan and South Korea said they were closely monitoring the new strain, but did not immediately cancel UK flights.

The new strain could be up to 70% more infectious, the United Kingdom has said, prompting its European neighbors and several other countries including Canada and Iran to close their doors to travellers from the country.

"We are now at a very critical stage," Chan said at a news briefing. "During the fourth wave, we have seen that the virus is highly transmissible and patients' conditions are more severe than previously."

People arriving into Hong Kong from the United Kingdom prior to Dec. 22 must quarantine for a total of 21 days, versus the previously mandated 14 days of quarantine. Chan said the government was monitoring whether to extend the quarantine duration for all arrivals.

Hong Kong saw a spike in the number of cases at the end of November which prompted authorities to once again shut down dining in restaurants after 6 p.m. and close gyms and beauty salons. The measures will be in place until at least Jan. 6, Chan said. 

Diramakini

DIRAMAKINI is Tanzanian news media house established to play role in shaping the global agenda through telling true stories by delivering quick and in-depth.Our readers trust our coverage of the issues that matter most to them. Our agenda-setting journalism attracts. Contact us on diramakini@gmail.com OR +255 719 254 464.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

International news