WASHINGTON: The United States said on Tuesday it had authorised consulate staff to leave Hong Kong as concerns spread over the Covid-19 coronavirus that originated in mainland China. Non-essential staff and their family members will be allowed, but not required, to leave the metropolis “out of an abundance of caution related to uncertainties” on the coronavirus, a State Department spokesperson said. The US consulate in Hong Kong will remain open, the State Department said. The State Department last month issued similar notices for staff in Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai. Hong Kong has reported one death from the coronavirus which has killed more than 1,100 people in the mainland, mostly in and around Wuhan.

Source: New Strait Times February 12, 2020 02:03 UTC