Omicron cases spread locally

Hong Kong has confirmed the first cases of community transmission of the omicron variant of COVID-19 tied to an airline crew member who had returned from the United States and lunched at a restaurant two days later.

Two other people eating at the restaurant last Monday were infected.

One was the father of the Cathay Pacific crew member.

Health Secretary Sophia Chan said city leader Carrie Lam had expressed her strong dissatisfaction to the airline’s chairman and that some staff had violated a 3-day self-isolation rule after their return. The health secretary called their actions “irresponsible.”

Cathay Pacific said that five crew members had tested positive for omicron recently, and some had not followed regulations. It apologized and said they would be disciplined.