Hong Kong Suspends All Flights from the US and UK

Hong Kong has enacted a ban on all flights from the United States and seven other nations for a minimum of two weeks due to concerns that they could trigger a fifth wave of COVID-19 in the area.

The Chinese-administered city has announced a halt to all incoming flights from eight countries, including the UK, the US, and Australia, as its officials impose the strictest measures since the onset of COVID-19 two years ago.

Canada, France, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines are also included in the list of countries facing a ban from January 8 until at least January 21, as stated by Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, on Wednesday. Although the popular destination has maintained stringent entry protocols throughout the pandemic, including mandatory quarantine, the flight ban prohibits passengers from even transiting through Hong Kong on airlines like Cathay Pacific.

This decision comes as authorities initiate a city-wide search for close contacts among 2,500 passengers aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, which was ordered to return to port after being labeled a "cruise to nowhere" following a COVID-19 outbreak.

"We must contain the pandemic to prevent a significant outbreak in the community once more," Lam stated at a press conference, adding that the city is "on the brink" of another surge.

This announcement is the latest step in Hong Kong's "zero-covid" strategy, initiated as the government seeks to combat the looming threat of the omicron variant and eliminate it at all costs.

A 6 p.m. curfew for indoor hospitality venues is now in effect, while beauty salons, swimming pools, gyms, nightclubs, and sports facilities have been closed for two weeks. Hong Kong mandates hospitalization for all positive COVID-19 cases, including asymptomatic individuals.

Despite these measures, several COVID-19 clusters have surfaced across Hong Kong recently, linked to Cathay Pacific crew members who violated quarantine rules by dining out in bars and restaurants during the festive season, subsequently testing positive upon their return to work.

As a result, two members of the aircrew were dismissed on New Year's Day.

"The behavior of these individuals is profoundly disappointing, as it undermines the otherwise exemplary commitment and adherence displayed by our over 10,000 aircrew," Cathay stated, adding that it would collaborate closely with health authorities to bolster public health protection.

"We have not yet experienced a fifth wave, but we are on the brink of one," Lam cautioned.