New Rules To Limit Movements Of Ship, Flight Crews

The government has announced new rules to prevent ship crews from mixing with the community, over concerns foreign workers may be bringing the coronavirus into the city with them.

From Wednesday, sailors will only be allowed to travel directly between their boats and the airport or vice-versa, on transport arranged by their employers.

Crew rotation via Hong Kong will only be allowed for vessels bringing daily goods into the city.

Meanwhile, flight crews coming to Hong Kong will have to obtain proof that they had tested negative for the virus in the 48 hours before their flight to the city, or they will need to get tested at Asia-World Expo upon arrival.

They will have to wait for the results at the testing centre or self-isolate at other "designated places".

Airlines are also required to arrange transport for their staff to head home or to their hotel.

A government statement said similar rules were being brought in for anyone else exempted from quarantine.

The administration had faced growing pressure to bring in tighter rules for people arriving in the city, after several sailors tested positive for the virus, leading to six vessels being put under quarantine off Lamma.