Hong Kong reveals plans to step up border controls to shield city from Covid-19 rebound, as warning signs of new wave emerge among drivers
- Officials warn public to remain vigilant as possible infections involving four cabbies and a rehab bus driver are found, on top of 18 new cases
- Health minister warns of severe winter rush, as three local cases among Wednesday’s batch have unknown origin
New Covid-19 measures:
•Four regular testing centres to operate long-term, offering free service for those at high risk of infections, and paid screening for those requiring certification to travel, especially for Singapore-Hong Kong bubble
•A virus notification app will be set up for users to record their travel history and notify them of exposure risks
•A multi-pronged strategy will be adopted to close border loopholes for people exempted from quarantine, including a mandatory negative test for those from high-risk countries, and point-to-point pickups instead of public transport
Hong Kong revealed plans to step up border controls against Covid-19 as possible new infections among taxi drivers emerged on Wednesday, sparking concerns that the next wave could be starting.
Health minister Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee moved to close quarantine loopholes to prevent another onslaught of cases during the winter flu season, saying the city had to remain vigilant.
“If we let down our guard, a fourth wave can start anytime and can become more severe with the flu season in the autumn and winter,” the secretary for food and health said. “Externally [we must] guard our border well, and internally stop the spread.”