Hong Kong Government halts incoming flights from eight countries

The Hong Kong Government has banned flights from eight countries - Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the USA - for two weeks under new anti-COVID measures.

In force from 8th January, the move is part of an effort to kerb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as authorities fear a new wave of Coronavirus infections in the city.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam also advised that the a range of venues will be closed - including swimming pools, sports centres, bars and clubs and museums and other venues - for at least two weeks, commenting “we're yet to see a fifth wave yet, but we're on the verge.”

Lam expressed concern about the possibility of the “silent spread” of the virus in the community.

The flight bans represent a significant increase in the number of restrictions on travel that have already rendered the city largely cut off from the rest of the world while keeping it relatively virus-free for more than seven months.

The ban has also impacted Hong Kong-based business executives who travelled 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 are pleading with the Hong Kong Government to restart flights - fearing that the ban will deter companies from using Hong Kong as their regional headquarters.

Nigel Benton with Joe Cusmano of the Stray Nomad.

Image credit: Shutterstock.