Update on fresh food supply from Mainland
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According to the Mainland authorities, a cross-boundary goods vehicle driver planning to return to Hong Kong and another driver who is under closed-loop management in the Mainland tested positive in COVID-19 nucleic acid tests undergone in the Mainland yesterday (February 7). The authorities had to conduct epidemiological investigation and disinfection of the premises where the drivers concerned had visited. This resulted in the temporary extended stay at the interchange venue for northbound and southbound cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers transporting vegetables before completion of relevant epidemic control work. The interchange venue resumed its normal operation at around 9pm yesterday and vehicles were then allowed to cross the boundary. The operating hours of the control points on both the Guangdong and Hong Kong sides have been extended to enable vehicles to pass through. However, quite a number of northbound cross-boundary goods vehicles opted to return to Hong Kong.
The boundary control point maintained usual operation this morning and the traffic volume of cross-boundary goods vehicles transporting fresh food has also gradually returned to normal. Although the supply of fresh food decreased this morning as a result of yesterday's incident, it is understood that a number of cross-boundary goods vehicles had departed Hong Kong this morning to collect fresh food from the Mainland. It is believed that the normal level of food supply can resume soon.
On the supply of vegetables, the amount of stock arriving at the wholesale markets last night was one-third of the level of the day before. Some more vehicles arrived at the wholesale markets this morning, thereby increasing the local supply. The supplies of chilled pork, poultry and eggs from the Mainland are largely stable. The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) will continue to maintain close contact with relevant bureaux/departments and the industry to monitor the food supply. The FHB will also closely liaise with the Mainland authorities to refine the arrangement for delivery and supply of fresh food.
Ends/Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:30
Issued at HKT 17:30
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