Hong Kong bans flights from India, 7 other countries amid omicron surge
- Flights from UK, USA, Australia have also be banned
- Hong Kong is pursuing a strict zero-COVID strategy
- So far, 114 cases of omicron have been reported in Hong Kong
Hong Kong authorities announced a ban on flights from eight countries, including India, on Wednesday as the omicron variant of COVID-19 variant tightens its grip around the globe. The city is pursuing a strict zero-COVID strategy.
The ban would be applicable to Phillippines, Australia, India, Pakistan, France, United Kingdom and United States.
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Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive said in a statement, “Passenger flights from these countries will not be allowed to land in Hong Kong and individuals who have stayed in those countries are not allowed to board flights to Hong Kong, including transit flights”, according to reports from AFP.
Over the past week, Hong Kong authorities have locked down several residential buildings linked to emerging omicron clusters as it sought to prevent the spread of the coronavirus variant in the city, according to reports from the Associated Press.
As of Tuesday evening, the city of Hong Kong has reported 114 cases of the new COVID variant, with most of them being detected in hotel quarantine and airport checks, AFP reported.
However, Lam said that it was showing signs of community spread. “We have cases that have their sources identified but not the route of transmission.”
The city has also decided to impose numerous restrictions, in addition to the travel ban, in order to mitigate the spread of omicron. Large-scale public events have been called off. Public areas like nightclubs, beauty parlours, bars, gyms would remain shut.
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Lam added that restaurants will have to restrict indoor dining after 6 pm, however, takeout will still be allowed to continue.
Meanwhile, thousands of passengers were being held Wednesday on a cruise ship in Hong Kong for coronavirus testing after health authorities said nine passengers were linked to a recent omicron cluster and ordered the ship to turn back.
(With AP inputs)
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