Constitutional and Mainland Minister Erick Tsang and Chief of Staff Eric Chan both tested positive through nucleic acid tests and are under quarantine, a statement by Hong Kong authorities on Thursday said. know.
Their contagion raised concerns about a potential visit by state leaders for the city’s July 1 celebrations, including the swearing-in of Hong Kong’s new leader and Commemorating the 1997 handover from British rule.
It also casts doubt on the robustness of the city’s “closed-loop” arrangement, which requires officials to avoid skirmishes with the public and conduct quarantines before scheduled ceremonies.
As China adopts a rapid lockdown, mass testing, and isolation approach to maintain its zero-Covid policy, Chinese officials appear to be taking extra precautions to avoid infection. virus.
Mr. Xi has not left mainland China since the outbreak of the pandemic more than two years ago. And although whether he will attend the handover ceremony remains a closely guarded secret, the Hong Kong government has begun preparations for the arrival of a delegation of state leaders from the other side. The border is still sealed with the mainland.
Top Hong Kong officials entered a closed-loop system on Thursday, under which they can only travel between home and work by personal vehicles and must spend a night in an isolated hotel for the night. before the anniversary date of handover. They must also be checked daily for Covid-19.
“Mr. Tsang and Mr. Chan last went to work on June 22 and June 20. They wear masks and adhere to relevant disease prevention measures in the workplace, including rapid antigen testing. conducted daily with negative results. They have no recent travel history.” government statement said.
The statement did not mention the symptoms of the two officials.
Chan will become the city’s No. 2 official on July 1, when Hong Kong’s incoming leader John Lee takes the helm.
Despite the high vaccination rate and overall reduction in cases, the Hong Kong government remains committed to implementing its own “zero Covid” style policy, maintaining contact tracing and social segregation measures. strict social distancing, as well as tight border restrictions – including a mandatory 7-day hotel stay. quarantine for all arrivals.
Additional reporting by CNN’s Martin Goillandeau and Hannah Ritchie.
