DAB joins call for stricter border control measures

DAB joins call for stricter border control measures

The biggest pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong has thrown its weight behind calls for stringent controls at the mainland border, warning that the next couple of weeks is a crucial period for prevention and neighbouring areas have already reported outbreaks of the coronavirus.



The party’s chairwoman, Starry Lee, said society is worried about a spread of the virus in the community.



“The number of confirmed cases is still increasing. The cases not only came from Hubei province but also other regions on the mainland. Local infections were reported in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which are close to Hong Kong,” she said.



“Experts have said the coming two and three weeks would be a critical period to determine whether there would be a community outbreak in Hong Kong. So we think the government should take decisive and strict immigration control measures to minimise the chances of the virus coming into the city.”



The DAB said all non-residents should be banned from crossing the border, unless they can provide proof they don't have the new coronavirus.



It said Hong Kong residents returning to the SAR should be quarantined at home for two weeks after coming back from the mainland, and possibly made to wear tracking bracelets during this period.



The party also noted that residents oppose the setting up of quarantine camps near their homes.



DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng said authorities could instead look into using a site on Lantau reserved for the expansion of Disneyland, as well as renting a cruise ship for quarantine purposes.