[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] An exodus of citizens fleeing Hong Kong is continuing as the city faces mandatory COVID-19 testing and lockdowns.
On the 3rd, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) cited an announcement from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, reporting that 94,305 people departed and 22,681 entered Hong Kong in February, resulting in a net outflow of 71,354 people. This is the highest figure since the fifth wave of COVID-19 and more than four times the numbers recorded in December last year (16,879) and January this year (15,252).
This movement away from Hong Kong emerged after the Hong Kong government announced plans to conduct three rounds of mandatory testing for all 7.5 million residents this month and mentioned the possibility of city lockdowns during this period. The situation has been further exacerbated by the U.S. Consulate designating Hong Kong as a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) travel advisory country on the 1st, signaling a potential increase in departures.
The U.S. State Department explained in its advisory that "there have been cases where children diagnosed with COVID-19 in Hong Kong were separated from their parents and quarantined separately until meeting discharge criteria," and warned that "travelers to Hong Kong may be subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing."
Currently, Hong Kong is experiencing an uncontrollable surge in COVID-19 cases, overwhelming its healthcare system. As of the 2nd, there were 55,253 new confirmed cases, and the death toll rose to 1,182.
SCMP obtained an email revealing that the Swiss Consulate in Hong Kong has arranged a Swiss Air charter flight departing Hong Kong for Zurich on the 7th and is accepting reservations from its nationals.
In the email, the Swiss Consul in Hong Kong mentioned the possibility of mandatory testing and city lockdowns, stating, "The pandemic situation in Hong Kong is worsening and will significantly impact our community within weeks." SCMP also obtained an email from the German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong indicating that it is in discussions with Lufthansa to arrange transportation for German residents and their families. The German Chamber of Commerce stated in the email, "The Lufthansa Group will continue to evaluate conditions for other potential flights."
Since the start of the fifth wave, Hong Kong has banned entry of passenger flights from eight countries?United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Philippines, France, Pakistan, and India?since January 7, and suspends flights from other countries whenever confirmed cases are detected.
As a result, those trying to travel to the U.S. or Europe currently must transit through cities such as Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, or Singapore, making it difficult to secure flights. However, SCMP reported a recent surge in booking reservations on flights departing from Hong Kong.
Emirates Airlines stated that over the past month, reservations have increased for flights to the United Kingdom, Paris, Lisbon, and other European cities.
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