Hong Kong suspends transit flights from most of the world due to COVID 19

2^min

Hong Kong authorities said on Friday the city's airport will suspend for a month transit flights from around 150 countries and territories considered high risk because of the coronavirus, deepening the global financial hub's isolation.

Separately, the territory's leader Carrie Lam said restrictions on social life will be extended through the Lunar New Year holiday at the start of February, traditionally a time for shopping, feasting and family reunions.

"I know this will let a lot of people down," Lam told reporters. "Covid is not yet under control."

To help businesses survive the restrictions, Lam said the government would deliver economic relief measures worth HK$3.57 billion ($459 million), targetted at the establishments asked to close.

Fifteen types of venues, including bars and clubs, cinemas, gyms and beauty salons will remain closed for another two weeks after their current order to shutter expires next Thursday. Dining in restaurants will also remain banned after 6.00 pm.

Primary schools and kindergartens also remain shuttered.

Lam said if there were no further outbreaks, restrictions would be gradually lifted after the holidays.

The moves come as the city has seen dozens of cases of the fast-spreading Omicron variant since the end of last year.

Prior to the outbreak, which authorities said could be traced back to two aircrew of Cathay Pacific Airways, the city had had no local transmissions for over three months.

Hong Kong International Airport said in a statement on Friday that any persons who have stayed in places classified as high risk by health authorities in the 21 days before travelling cannot transit through the city from Jan. 16 until Feb. 15.

The measure was taken "in order to control the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant," it said.

Hong Kong suspends transit flights from most of the world due to COVID-19

Breaking Headlines

Hong Kong

Suspension

Transit

Flights

World

COVID-19

Cases

Depositors face delays as Lebanon battles over $16.5 billion debt

Depositors face delays as Lebanon battles over $16.5 billion debt

Turkey set to call for action on Gaza as soon as possible, source says

Turkey set to call for action on Gaza as soon as possible, source says

Pezeshkian: Iran will rebuild its nuclear facilities “with greater strength”

Pezeshkian: Iran will rebuild its nuclear facilities “with greater strength”

Interior Minister Al-Hajjar: Security and stability are Lebanon’s top priorities

Interior Minister Al-Hajjar: Security and stability are Lebanon’s top priorities

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Lebanon launches nationwide campaign to remove illegal ‘newelne’ roadside stalls

Lebanon launches nationwide campaign to remove illegal ‘newelne’ roadside stalls

Netanyahu says Hezbollah is being hit continuously, urges Lebanon to disarm the group

Netanyahu says Hezbollah is being hit continuously, urges Lebanon to disarm the group

Israel warns of intensifying attacks against Hezbollah in South Lebanon

Israel warns of intensifying attacks against Hezbollah in South Lebanon

Money transfers, forged signatures uncovered in Lebanese University exam tampering scandal: The details

Money transfers, forged signatures uncovered in Lebanese University exam tampering scandal: The details

Sisi opens Grand Egyptian Museum, calls it 'new chapter in history'

Sisi opens Grand Egyptian Museum, calls it 'new chapter in history'

Egypt–Lebanon meeting: Cairo reaffirms support for Beirut against Israeli violations

Egypt–Lebanon meeting: Cairo reaffirms support for Beirut against Israeli violations

Egyptian and Lebanese PMs discuss strengthening bilateral ties and investment cooperation ahead of Beirut visit

Egyptian and Lebanese PMs discuss strengthening bilateral ties and investment cooperation ahead of Beirut visit

Al-Hajjar, Al-Shaibani discuss strengthening Lebanon-Syria security and political cooperation in Manama

Al-Hajjar, Al-Shaibani discuss strengthening Lebanon-Syria security and political cooperation in Manama