To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
In many parts of the world, travel restrictions and testing guidelines associated with COVID-19 are being loosened.
Airport Crowds
Experts have cited increased vaccination rates or a new understanding of the effectiveness of certain restrictions as the reason for the relaxed health and safety measures. In addition, the CDC’s latest report of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in America (in early December 2021) reported zero deaths. Despite relaxed restrictions elsewhere in the world, Hong Kong is instead implementing some strict policies and mandates in response to the Omicron variant.
According to the Washington Post, Hong Kong officials have now implemented “the city’s strictest restrictions since the coronavirus was first detected [t]here two years ago.” In an attempt to keep their “zero-covid” policy, Hong Kong has banned all passenger flights from eight countries, including the United States.
Airplane
This response may be in part due to the lower vaccination rates in the city, especially among older people, who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. The Post reported that “only about 20 percent of those above age 80 are fully vaccinated.”
COVID-19 Health and Safety Sign
Other countries included in the ban are the UK, Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan and the Philippines. The ban begins this Saturday (January 8th) and will last for at least two weeks. Other precautions are also being enforced, such as a ban on restaurant dining after 6PM and a closure of gyms and salons.
Flights from eight countries to Hong Kong have been banned
Leaders in Hong Kong say they “could not commit to any easing of restrictions even if the vaccination rate hits a certain percent of the population.”
Hong Kong doesn’t plan to loosen restrictions soon
This change comes shortly after it was announced that Hong Kong Disneyland will close. This closure will last at least through January 20th, 2022.
©Hong Kong Disneyland
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The post Hong Kong Bans All Flights from U.S. Due to COVID-19 Concerns first appeared on the disney food blog.