The Hong Kong government has banned flights from eight countries – Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States – for two weeks under new anti-COVID measures.
In effect since January 8, the move is part of an effort to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as authorities fear a new wave of coronavirus infections in the city.
Hong Kong Managing Director Carrie Lam also announced that many venues will be closed – including swimming pools, sports centers, bars and clubs, and museums and other venues – for at least two weeks, commenting “We don’t ‘don’t see a fifth wave yet, but we’re on our way.
Lam expressed concern over the possibility of a “silent spread” of the virus in the community.
The flight bans represent a significant increase in the number of travel restrictions that have already left the city largely cut off from the rest of the world while keeping it relatively virus-free for more than seven months.
The ban also hit Hong Kong-based business leaders who returned home for Christmas and are now stranded outside the Asian financial hub.
the Australian Financial Review reported today that international business groups based in the city of Hong Kong are begging the Hong Kong government to restart flights, fearing the ban will deter companies from using Hong Kong as a regional headquarters.
Nigel Benton with Joe Cusmano from wandering nomad.
Image credit: Shutterstock.
Related Articles
December 7, 2021 – Potential spread of the Omicron variant of concern globally
November 30, 2021 – World Health Organization warns of risks of Omicron COVID-19 variant
December 27, 2021 – Global tourism leaders, academics and entrepreneurs focus on recovery via virtual conference
December 3, 2021 – WTTC identifies digital solutions to help governments restore international mobility
November 10, 2021 – WTTC Launches Net Zero Roadmap to Guide Global Tourism
June 15, 2021 – Tripadvisor study finds COVID-19 vaccines boost global tourism demand
December 15, 2021 – Hong Kong to welcome 2022 with first Art Spectacular at Victoria Harbor
December 5, 2021 – Hong Kong Disneyland marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities with celebrations
December 2, 2021 – WTA announces tournament suspension in China and Hong Kong due to Peng Shuai concerns
October 11, 2021 – Hong Kong SAR government extends subsidy program to Hong Kong convention and exhibition industry
September 28, 2021 – Hong Kong Tourism Board partners with leading entertainment group CJ ENM
September 21, 2021 – Ocean Park Hong Kong opens the new Water World water park
September 10, 2021 – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort appoints new ambassadors to continue diversity and inclusion efforts
September 7, 2021 – Financial aid from the Hong Kong SAR government urgently needed for the survival of Hong Kong’s convention and exhibition sector
August 27, 2021 – Hong Kong and Macau partner with Guangdong to host 2025 Chinese National Games
August 16, 2021 – Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center Successfully Hosts Five Concurrent Trade Shows
June 21, 2021 – Hong Kong Tourist Board launches great outdoors summer video series
May 1, 2021 – Hong Kong Rugby Union ‘confident’ that the 2021 World Rugby Sevens Series will go to full crowds
February 10, 2021 – Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center’s first exhibition in 2021 reinforces the value of face-to-face events
June 29, 2020 – Hong Kong Tourist Board hosts online global post COVID-19 travel forum
October 8, 2021 – Thailand to introduce controversial ‘tourism fee’ in 2022
September 15, 2021 – How will vaccine passports work in each state and abroad?
Aug 18, 2021 – Air travelers demand unified global COVID-19 travel passes
Ask for a little favor
We hope you enjoy the news we publish. While you are here, can we ask for your support?
The news we publish on www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and accessible for free, with no pay walls or annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask you to support us by subscribing to the print version? Australasian recreation management magazine – if you don’t already.
Published bimonthly since 1997, the print Australasian recreation management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical articles covering water sports, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and management sites.
Subscriptions cost just $ 90 per year.
Click here register.