2020.02.09
Currently 3,000 travelers have been quarantined aboard the “Diamond Princess” cruise ship in Yokohama, Japan, 200 of whom come from Hong Kong. Today, another 6 patients have been confirmed to have the coronavirus bringing the total to 70 people. The DAB has continuously received pleas for assistance from Hong Kong travelers aboard the ship, such as running out of critical medicines. Some of the Hong Kong travelers have asked for immediate assistance from the HKSAR government, just like other countries that have asked Japan for assistance in repatriating their citizens home.
DAB Legislator Vincent Cheng has written a letter to the Chief Executive with these proposals:
Immediately send medicines to those who need them on the ship.
Send a special team to Japan with staff from the Immigration department and from the FEHD to support and assist affected travelers from Hong Kong.
Set up an assistance hotline for Hong Kong travelers on the ship and regularly send updates to and provide emotional support for them.
Make a request to quickly set up a quarantine on land.
Study the quarantine option for these travelers when they return to Hong Kong
We also sought for assistance from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR.
Media Inquiries: Vincent Cheng 6373 1979