Hong Kong Suspends Flights From India, The Philippines And Pakistan Regarding The Occurrence Of A Case Of COVID-19 N501Y Mutation

Hon Kong International Airport. (Wikimedia Commons/LN9267)

JAKARTA - Hong Kong authorities announced the suspension of flights from three countries, including India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, from April 20 for the next two weeks.

The announcement, issued on Sunday, April 18 evening local time, is in line with the discovery of the first case of COVID-19 infection with the N501Y mutant variation.

"The three countries are classified as 'very high risk' after there have been several imported cases that caused panic in Hong Kong in the past 14 days", said the Hong Kong Government as reported by Reuters, Monday, April 19.

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines has also directly affected a number of airlines connecting the three countries with Hong Kong. Such as Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Vistara, and Hong Kong Airlines.

Hong Kong has recorded a total of 11.600 cases of infection and 209 deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Last week, Hong Kong reported 30 new cases of infection, of which 29 were imported. This is the highest increase in the number of daily casualties since March 15.

As an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Hong Kong authorities have urged citizens to take vaccinations. However, of the 7.5 million residents of Hong Kong, only about 9 percent have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Last week, Hong Kong authorities expanded their strategy for the COVID-19 vaccination program, reaching those aged 16-29. This announcement will be made on Thursday 15 April.

"Widen the reach of this vaccine will allow around 6.5 million citizens to receive vaccinations. We urge the public to immediately receive the COVID-19 vaccine so that Hong Kong does not fall into the wave of the outbreak", said Hong Kong Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip last week.