More gov’t flights to Hubei set

March 16, 2020

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip:

The earliest time for the departure of the second batch of chartered flights will be next Tuesday. As regards the number of flights and also the dates of operation, it very much depends on the final outcome of the registration process. When we have confirmed the final number of returnees, then we will allocate sufficient number of flights and dates to implement these operations.

For the returnees from Hubei, same as the first batch, they would be transferred to the quarantine centres for 14 days of quarantine. This is because Hubei, in particular Wuhan, has been an infected area and these returnees have been staying there for a considerable period of time. So for prudence sake and also for controlling the public health risk, I think it's appropriate to make such an arrangement.

Of course we need to continue to monitor the situation and seek experts’ advice as regards the level of risk and also the most appropriate quarantine measures that should be in place for various groups. The situation is changing and we have to monitor it closely and also base it on science and public health experts’ advice.

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Another batch of government chartered flights will bring home Hong Kong residents stranded in Hubei Province on March 24 at the earliest, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip said today.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr Nip explained that other details will be worked out once the final number of people returning to Hong Kong is confirmed.

“The earliest time for the departure of the second batch of chartered flights will be next Tuesday.

“As regards the number of flights and also the dates of operation, it very much depends on the final outcome of the registration process.

“When we have confirmed the final number of returnees, then we will allocate sufficient number of flights and dates to implement these operations.”

The second batch of chartered flights will consist of Hong Kong people in three Hubei cities, namely Xiaogan, Xianning, Huangshi as well as those still in Wuhan who have an urgent need to return to the city.

Mr Nip noted that these returnees will undergo compulsory quarantine, as did those who were on the previous chartered flights.

“For the returnees from Hubei, same as the first batch, they would be transferred to the quarantine centres for 14 days of quarantine.

“This is because Hubei, in particular Wuhan, has been an infected area and these returnees have been staying there for a considerable period of time.

“So for prudence sake and also for controlling the public health risk, I think it is appropriate to make such an arrangement.”

He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will monitor the COVID-19 situation and seek expert advice on the risks involved and appropriate quarantine measures.

“The situation is changing and we have to monitor it closely and also base it on science and public health experts’ advice.”

Hong Kong residents who are in Xiaogan, Xianning, Huangshi and Wuhan who have not contacted the Immigration Department's Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit or the Wuhan Economic & Trade Office can call the (852)1868 hotline or contact the unit at 1868@immd.gov.hk for registration before 6pm on March 17.

Click here for details.