HONG KONG (Reuters). -Hong Kong has decided to suspend for a month all transit flights between 150 countries and territories that have been deemed high-risk by the coronavirus. It is further reducing the isolation of the global financial hub.

It comes at a time when the city has already seen approximately 50 Omicron-related cases in the last year.

Before the outbreak that authorities believe could be traced back two Cathay Pacific Airways aircrewmembers (OTC):, the city was free from local transmissions for more than three years.

The Hong Kong International Airport stated Friday in a statement that anyone who has stayed at places deemed high-risk by the health authorities within 21 days prior to travelling can’t transit the city between Jan. 16 and Feb. 15.

According to the Omicron, the move was made “in order control the spread the highly infectious Omicron variant.”

Hong Kong considers more than 150 foreign countries and territories high-risk.

The ban on incoming flights was implemented last week by the airline from Australia to Canada, France, India and Pakistan.

China has ruled the city, which follows the policy of mainland China and is now tolerant to local COVID-19 infections. This comes as the global trend towards the coronavirus continues.

Recent weeks have seen authorities tighten quarantine restrictions on aircraft crews and restore social control.

Thirteen types of establishments including bars and clubs as well as cinemas, beauty salons, and gyms have been ordered to shut down. After 6:05 pm, dining at restaurants has been banned. Kindergartens and primary schools have been closed as well.

On Friday, the government will announce that restrictions on February 1st are being extended due to the Lunar New Year holiday.