The Government has been in close contact with Mainland authorities regarding the delivery of vegetables to Hong Kong after cross-boundary vehicle drivers tested positive for COVID-19 in tests taken on the Mainland.

In a statement issued this evening, the Government said it learnt that an individual cross-boundary goods vehicle driver had gone to places which were not reported to the Mainland prior to his entry.

As a consequence, the Mainland authorities needed to handle the incident seriously and conduct contact tracing to prevent the virus from spreading in the community, the statement added, noting that some drivers were required to stay in the hotel to isolate.

Apart from individual cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who have been classified as close contacts and are still subject to isolation in hotels, the rest were released from the hotel to resume normal operations.

Additionally, the Transport Department has sent letters to the cross-boundary goods vehicle trade, reminding the drivers to strictly follow the anti-epidemic and health management measures under the joint prevention and control mechanism agreed between the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong.

On the supply of vegetables, the Government said it is understood that in consideration of the importance of a fresh food supply to Hong Kong, the Mainland authorities have made flexible arrangements to allow the transportation of vegetables to the city by other registered drivers deployed by the industry.

At 9am today, some 20 goods vehicles were waiting to cross the boundary at Man Kam To for this purpose and were subsequently released for return to Hong Kong.

The vegetable supply at the Vegetable Marketing Organization and Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market is at near normal levels, while the overall supply of vegetables at Western Wholesale Food Market experienced a drop. Nevertheless, the overall supply remains stable.

The supply of chilled pork, poultry and eggs from the Mainland is also at a normal level. The Food & Health Bureau will continue to maintain contact with relevant bureaus and departments and the industry and keep a close watch on the food supply, the statement said.