5 cross-border drivers test positive for Covid-19, unionists say Hong Kong’s fresh food supplies may take some time to fully recover
- Three drivers test positive after returning to Hong Kong, while another two drivers are confirmed at Shenzhen Bay Port
- Fresh food suppliers allowed to gradually resume operations at Man Kam To Control Point, a major checkpoint, on Monday evening
Five cross-border drivers have tested positive for Covid-19 since last Friday, according to Shenzhen authorities, as fresh food suppliers heading into Hong Kong were allowed to gradually resume operations at a major checkpoint on Monday evening.
Unionists said they believed it may take more time for supplies, which had been affected by Covid-19 disruptions, to fully recover if the outbreak continues.
The Hong Kong government said on Tuesday afternoon that vehicles at Man Kam To Control Point were allowed to resume operations at 9pm on Monday. It added that some drivers were previously stuck at the checkpoint as they waited for authorities to disinfect a site for handing over goods.
Vegetable supplies decreased to about one-third in light of the incident, according to the government. But by morning, traffic had returned to normal and the government said it expected supply would rebound quickly.
Man Kam To control point is a major gateway for fresh foods – including vegetables, meat and fish – going from mainland China to Hong Kong. The city receives 92 per cent of its vegetables from the mainland.
About 22 trucks at the control point managed to leave Hong Kong on Monday evening, according to Chan Dik-sau, chairman of the Container Transportation Employees General Union.
