Coronavirus: families plan for long-delayed reunions as Hong Kong prepares to welcome back foreigners
- Pandemic expert says ‘possibility of huge rebound’ in infections reduced by local population’s immunity levels, sufficient supply of quarantine facilities
- Travel industry watchdog welcomes relaxed measures but calls for authorities to allow returning residents to isolate at home
Families looking forward to reunions and business travellers eager to network are already planning trips to Hong Kong as the city prepares to welcome back foreigners next month, with the tourism industry watchdog calling for further easing of quarantine arrangements for arriving residents.
Alex Chu, who works in asset management, said he was hoping to bring his in-laws over from Britain for a family reunion this summer.
“We’re seriously considering bringing over my wife’s mother from the UK for a few weeks to meet her grandson for the first time,” said Chu, whose son was already two years old.
One Australian businessman who had a son two months ago said he was also looking forward to his family flying over. His wife’s parents were initially hoping to visit before the birth to support her during a difficult pregnancy, but travel curbs in made the reunion almost impossible.
