Hong Kong bans transit flights from countries with high risk

HONG KONG, Jan 14, Reuters -- Hong Kong will suspend transit flights from around 150 countries and territories that are considered high risk because of the coronaviruses, deepening the global financial hub's isolation.

The city has seen around 50 cases of the fast-spreading Omicron variant since the end of last year.

The city had had no local transmissions for more than three months prior to the outbreak, which authorities said could be traced back to two aircrew members of Cathay Pacific Airways.

Hong Kong International Airport said on Friday that any persons who have stayed in places classified as high risk by health authorities are not allowed to transit through the city from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15.

It said the measure was taken to control the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.

Hong Kong currently classifies over 150 countries and territories as high risk.

It banned incoming flights from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Britain and the United States last week.

Even as much of the world shifts towards living with the coronaviruses, the Chinese-ruled city has followed mainland China's policy of zero tolerance towards local COVID 19 cases.

In the last few weeks, authorities have tightened quarantine restrictions on air crew and reintroduced curbs on social life.

Fifteen type of venues, including bars and clubs, cinemas, gyms and beauty salons, were ordered to close at the end of the day, while dining in restaurants is banned after 6.00 pm. Primary schools and kindergartens have also been closed.

The government is expected to announce later on Friday that the restrictions will be extended through the Lunar New Year holiday at the beginning of February.