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Coronavirus: infection of 2 top Hong Kong officials raises concerns over state leader visit for 25th anniversary of handover

  • Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Eric Chan infected with Covid-19
  • Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Ricky Lau has also contracted the virus

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Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang. Photo: K. Y. Cheng
Two top Hong Kong officials who are members of Chief Executive-designate John Lee Ka-chiu’s new cabinet, including the government’s incoming No 2 minister, have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of next week’s celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty.
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Their infections raised concerns over possible changes or adjustments to a much anticipated visit by state leaders as part of the celebration and the swearing-in of Lee’s new government on July 1.

The government revealed on Thursday that Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai and Chief Executive’s Office director Eric Chan Kwok-ki had returned positive results for their nucleic acid tests. Chan’s wife earlier tested positive for the virus.

Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Ricky Lau Chun-kit had also contracted Covid-19 and was sent into isolation after quarantining at home since Sunday after his wife too tested positive for the virus, a government spokesman said.

The statement did not disclose what symptoms the infected officials had.

Eric Chan, director of the Chief Executive’s Office and incoming No 2 official. Photo: Sam Tsang
Eric Chan, director of the Chief Executive’s Office and incoming No 2 official. Photo: Sam Tsang

A spokesman for Lee’s office said the incoming leader last met Tsang and Chan several days ago and his own Covid-19 test came back negative. The two officials were with Lee when he introduced his cabinet to the press on Sunday.

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