March 29, 2024

Erichoffer

Savvy business masters

COVID-19: Hong Kong asks residents to defer non-urgent travel

HONG KONG: The Hong Kong government has warned the city’s residents to consider deferring all non-essential travel outside of the territory, as the coronavirus becomes increasingly prevalent around the world.

It had already placed a red alert – the second-highest warning in Hong Kong – on travelling to South Korea and the Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy.

READ: China reports 28 COVID-19 deaths, rise in new infections originating from abroad

However, the government said all travelers out of Hong Kong should now contemplate putting their plans on hold.

Hong Kong has reported 106 cases of coronavirus and two deaths in the past six weeks, according to the city’s health officials.

READ: Pet dog infected with COVID-19, Hong Kong authorities confirm

Just three of the territory’s 13 borders with mainland China remain open following the announcement of closures by Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam on Feb 3.

COVID-19 is the name of the illness caused by the new coronavirus.

“As the transmission of COVID-19 virus has been increasing around the world, they are advised to consider delaying all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong,” the CHP said in a statement published on a government website on Friday.

All travellers arriving into Hong Kong from Sunday will have to complete a health declaration form, a measure which had been put in place only for mainland Chinese passengers, according to the statement.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of COVID-19 and its development

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