January 14, 2022
HONG KONG – Hong Kong will ban the transit of flight passengers from around 150 countries and regions deemed high risk for the spread of the Omicron variant.
The new rule applies to passengers who have been to places listed as Group A specified places within the past 21 days, according to the Hong Kong Airport Authority. The ban will be effective from Jan 16 until Feb 15.
Transit passengers from the mainland, Taiwan and other medium- or low-risk places are not affected.
Hong Kong currently classifies more than 150 countries and territories as high risk, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Japan
The announcement came as the financial hub saw an increase of confirmed cases recently. Prior to the latest outbreak, which authorities said could be traced back to two aircrew members of Cathay Pacific Airways, the city had had no local transmissions for over three months.
Hong Kong currently classifies more than 150 countries and territories as high risk, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Japan.
In recent weeks, authorities have tightened anti-virus curbs and quarantine restrictions on aircrew.
Fifteen type of venues, including bars and clubs, cinemas, gyms and beauty salons were ordered to close, while dining in restaurants is banned after 6 pm. Primary schools and kindergartens suspended face-to-face classes from Friday until after the Chinese New Year holiday.
With inputs from Reuters