1,000 workers, guards and police to enter ‘closed-loop’ quarantine for Hong Kong handover anniversary, sources say
- They will be required to isolate for one week leading up to the July 1 celebrations, insiders say
- The precautions are part of security arrangements being put in place to protect dignitaries, possibly including a Chinese state leader
About 1,000 staff, security guards and police officers involved in events celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover are likely to be put under a seven-day “closed-loop” arrangement to protect them from Covid-19 as part of preparations for a possible visit by a Chinese state leader, the Post has learned.
Sources said all staff responsible for security and the event, as well as police officers who provided close protection to the “very, very important person” would spend a week in quarantine.
The list of people required to undergo isolation was expected to grow, possibly covering ministers’ press secretaries and ceremony attendees, even though they might not have direct contact with a state leader.
One option under the plan still being finalised was for people in the closed loop to stay at a quarantine hotel, where they would undergo testing, one insider said.
The Post reported on Monday that outgoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, ministers and permanent secretaries, as well as non-official members of the Executive Council, Lam’s de facto cabinet, would be placed under a stringent system preventing them from meeting outsiders for a week before the state leader’s visit.
Incoming leader John Lee Ka-chiu and his governing team are also expected to be put under the closed-loop arrangement.
According to multiple sources, possible measures would include requiring officials who are part of such an arrangement to live apart from their family members for that period.
On Tuesday, Lam said her administration would focus on the preparations for the arrival of state leaders to Hong Kong, with a delegation expected to attend celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule.
