The Hong Kong government is on the defensive for its extensive quarantine exemptions that have now been identified as causing much of the current outbreak. More than 1,400 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 this month, more than half of Hong Kong’s total infections in the coronavirus pandemic. The medical and testing systems in the city are overwhelmed.
Hong Kong has had strict entry bars for non-residents and mandatory quarantine for others who come to the city. However, tens of thousands of people deemed to be performing essential jobs were exempt, including around 10,000 cross-border truck drivers, as well as crew members of sea and air vessels.
In a statement released Sunday, the government defended the decision, saying the exemptions were “essential to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of goods and the daily necessities to maintain the economy.”
“Although they are exempt from the mandatory 14-day quarantine, the Health Department issues medical surveillance notices to exempt people and asks them to comply with precautionary and personal hygiene measures, including wearing masks.”
He said the exemption arrangements “had worked well in recent months,” but in recognition of the recent increase in cases among air and sea crew personnel, some measures have been suspended or tightened.
Starting Wednesday, the new measures include requiring all cargo ship crew members to remain on board while the ship is in Hong Kong waters. Incoming flight crews must possess a negative Covid-19 test from 48 prior to arrival. Airlines must also arrange private point-to-point transportation for the crew traveling between the airport and their accommodation, and ensure that the crew is isolated.
On Sunday, Hong Kong reported another 128 cases, the fifth consecutive day of results in triple figures.
On Saturday, Hong Kong confirmed that 133 cases of Covid-19 were being investigated, all but seven of them transmitted locally.
It included a student who lived in a residence at the University of Hong Kong. A roommate had returned a positive preliminary test result, and another with symptoms was expecting a result.
“For the Hong Kong University residential corridor, because they live on the same floor, share toilets and toilets, there are around 10-20 students there, so we plan to quarantine them,” said the head of the health center. . protection, said Dr. Chuang Shuk-kwan.
.
