US closes its consulate in HK after 2 virus cases

America closed its consulate in Hong Kong on Monday after two staff tested positive for COVID-19.

A statement from the consulate said the closure was for "a deep disinfection and cleaning, while appropriate contact tracing is completed".

Services for US citizens and visa applicants are canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday, but an exact reopening date is not yet confirmed.

Rumours swirled in Hong Kong that US Consulate staff were trying to avoid quarantine.

But Health Secretary Sophia Chan said that the Hong Kong Health Department is in touch with the Consulate and following its usual procedures, which include quarantine and compulsory testing.