Hong Kong’s top officials could be put under week-long ‘closed-loop’ arrangement ahead of 25th handover anniversary celebrations

Hong Kong’s top officials and advisers to the chief executive are expected to be put under a week-long “closed-loop” arrangement towards the end of June, as part of preparations for a possible visit by a mainland Chinese state leader for the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, ministers and permanent secretaries, as well as non-official members of the Executive Council, Lam’s de facto cabinet, will be placed under a stringent system preventing them from meeting outsiders for a week before the state leader’s visit, the Post has learned.

Chief Executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu and his governing team are also expected to be put under the closed-loop arrangement, which is still being finalised by authorities.

According to multiple sources, possible measures would include requiring officials who are part of such an arrangement to live apart from their family members for that period.

A source close to the government said executive councillors had been informed four weeks ago of the possibility of being placed under the “closed-loop” system in preparation for a possible visit by a state leader at the end of the month.

“In light of a potential rebound in coronavirus cases, it’s understandable that the Hong Kong government plans to step up anti-pandemic measures to ensure the safety of the state leaders visiting Hong Kong,” the source said.

“But whether a stringent system would be introduced and how many people would be covered under the scheme is a matter being finalised by the government.”

The Chief Executive’s Office did not respond to inquiries from the Post on Monday.