'Ban Quarantine Hotels From Taking Regular Guests'

An infectious disease expert has suggested that the government ban hotels offering quarantine from taking in regular guests, to prevent cross-infection.

From Friday, all travellers flying into Hong Kong – except those coming from the mainland – must carry out 14 days of quarantine in a hotel rather than at home, due to the worsening pandemic overseas.

University of Hong Kong professor Ivan Hung says a fourth wave of infections has probably begun in Hong Kong as the strain here has changed, and is similar to one in Nepal. He said returnees in hotel quarantine may have infected others.

"Recently we have confirmed that from mid-October onwards, the strain of the coronavirus has changed significantly, meaning that probably the fourth wave has already begun," Hung said. "It is now similar to the Nepalese strain that came in in late September.

"So we believe there may be some cross infection between some of the newly diagnosed patients, who are staying quarantined in a hotel and they are cross-infected with people who are staying there for staycation."

Hong Kong confirmed 18 new cases yesterday, seven of which were from Nepal.