China coronavirus: outbreak’s effect on Wuhan-Hong Kong relations will be short, members of business community say

Hong Kong government closes Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan, citing suspension of public transport in Hubei city

But it was also estimated that as many as 1,000 Hongkongers who live, work or study in city had probably already left for Lunar New Year holiday

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Wuhan-Hong Kong relations will bounce back according to the business community operating between two cities. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:30am, 24 Jan 2020Updated: 10:33am, 24 Jan 2020

Wuhan’s coronavirus outbreak will have only a short-term effect on Hong Kong’s relationship with the mainland Chinese city, according to members of the business community, who said the strong bonds created by investment and cultural exchange will ultimately prevail.

They also estimated that while as many as 1,000 Hongkongers study, work or live in Wuhan in Hubei province, most would have returned to Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year and would not be affected by the city’s lockdown.

On Thursday, acting chief executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said there were about 100 Hongkongers stranded in Wuhan, and they could seek help from the local official delegation there, but he could not say how many people had entered Hong Kong from the mainland city.

He said the Education Bureau had urged schools to consider postponing exchange tours with mainland parties, and also asked students and teachers to avoid going to Wuhan.

The Hong Kong government closed its Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan on Thursday, citing the suspension of public transport in the mainland city.

“[The office] will also be closed during the Lunar New Year holiday and rest days from January 24 to 30,” the office said on its website. “The service will resume on January 31. For Hong Kong residents in Wuhan who need urgent help, please call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline on (852) 1868.