STARTING tomorrow, new rules introduced by the Hong Kong government will come into effect to prevent seafarers and aircrews from mixing with the community, following heightened concerns that foreign workers may be bringing the coronavirus into the city with them.

From Wednesday, seafarers will only be allowed to travel directly between their boats and the airport or vice-versa, on transport arranged by their employers.

The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) said it supported the move by the government and health experts that crew change arrangements be tightened in Hong Kong to safeguard the local community whilst facilitating essential crew changes to support the many seafarers who have been working hard at sea for many months to ensure that the world supply chain continue to function at this difficult time for the global community, including Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, aircrews coming to Hong Kong will have to obtain proof that they had tested negative for the virus in the 48 hours before their flight to the city, or they will need to get tested at Asia-World Expo upon arrival.

A Hong Kong government statement said similar rules were being brought in for anyone else exempted from quarantine.

The administration had faced growing pressure to bring in tighter rules for people arriving in the city, after several seamen tested positive for the virus, leading to six vessels being put under quarantine off Lamma Island.