HONG KONG (China Daily/ANN): Another trap is about to be sprung on Hong Kong and mainland students scrambling to get back home from the United Kingdom, as the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak has shifted from China to Europe, where infections have continued to spike since early March.
The government decided on Sunday night to impose a two-week home quarantine, which takes effect from Thursday, for arrivals from the UK and the United States — two of the most popular locations for overseas Chinese students. Tens of thousands flock to the airports within the three-day window period.
“Most people on the streets still don’t wear masks. If you’re Asian and wear a mask, you are not welcomed, even on campus. It’s really a matter of life and death, ” said the 20-year-old. “The risk of infection on the road can never be underestimated especially at crowded transport hubs. I have to accept quarantine rules, though I don’t like them, ” she said, adding that she has given up trying to circumvent the quarantine deadline.
“The authorities said I am likely to be denied boarding in London, if I am unable to get home without entering Hong Kong, ” she said, fearing she may have to enter Hong Kong to check in for the last leg of her flight. An immigration officer at the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint, who asked not to be identified, said the past two days have seen a “significant increase” in mainland people coming from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. This checkpoint is the only land port still open for arrivals at the airport to get to Shenzhen.
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