Coronavirus: Beijing loyalists in Hong Kong weigh options on whether to attend top legislature and advisory body meetings

Beijing loyalists in Hong Kong who have been invited to the nation’s two most important annual conferences next month are weighing their options, after being told they have to undergo a seven-day quarantine in the neighbouring city of Shenzhen before being allowed to fly into the capital.

Some who wear an extra hat as a legislator in the city are concerned whether it is advisable to be away when Hong Kong is battling a surge in coronavirus infections, noting that the financial chief is expected to unveil the annual budget on Wednesday.

Others running their own business fear urgent matters could arise during their extended absence.

The quarantine arrangement was revealed on Friday by political heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung, the city’s sole delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the country’s top legislative body.