HONG KONG, (Reuters) – Hong Kong is likely to feel the adverse effects of stricter COVID-19 quintetine restrictions on aircraft crew. With cargo traffic and the flow of goods in the city expected to fall, Chief Executive Carrie Lam stated Wednesday.

After three months without any infections, Hong Kong was notified that there had been a first Omicron coronavirus transmission. Authorities tightened quarantine and increased restrictions on social activities.

Since then, more than 40 cases from local areas have been identified.

Officials believe that the cause of the illness could have been traced to Cathay Pacific Airways’ (OTC) two crew members who violated self-isolation regulations. A probe has been initiated into the airline.

Cathay had to cancel many of its January passenger and cargo flights due to tighter regulations. Cathay will be operating around 20% of its prepandemic cargo capacity, and around 2% for its prepandemic passenger flight capability this month.

Lam said that Hong Kong had already taken the most stringent measures to combat imported coronavirus infection and that it would be difficult for them to get tighter.

Lam stated that legislators will soon see the consequences of cargo policies. Lam stated that almost no cargo flights are used to transport goods.

“Destroying the aviation industry will not affect only flight companies; it will also affect all citizens.”

Lam indicated that she expects some goods to become unavailable or to increase in price, including food and medicines.

After being asked for 3 days to be isolated at home, returning aircrew now have to stay in quarantine seven days. The majority of Hong Kong’s residents will need to stay in quarantine 21 days at their expense.

Lam announced Tuesday that primary and kindergarten schools had to stop offering face-to–face classes beginning Friday, until the Lunar New Year in February.

Following appeals by health officials to Hong Kong citizens to stay away from large parties, She also directed a disciplinary investigation to 13 top government officials to investigate their attendance at a party to celebrate a Chinese delegate.