Declarations being extended at borders
The government is extending the scope of health declarations, enabling more than 90 per cent of travellers crossing the land borders to be tracked after tonight.
The measures came after the scenes at the Lo Wu control point on Sunday, when thousands of travellers returned to the city after the three-day holiday and completed the forms to meet with the new requirement.
But those who returned through other checkpoints were not asked to submit their details. The forms ask for health and contact details.
Undersecretary for Food and Health Gabriel Leung said travellers at Lok Ma Chau would have to complete the forms, starting from last night.
By 8pm today, those crossing at Man Kam To, Shau Tau Kok, Shenzhen Bay and the Lok Ma Chau spur line will also have to fill in the forms.
Professor Leung said travellers crossing at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau comprised about 65 per cent of the total traffic and he expected more than 90 per cent of land border travellers would be covered after tonight. He said it took time for recruitment and training of checkpoint staff. Recruits 'need at least 24 to 48 hours to learn how to answer questions raised by travellers, and understand the health declaration forms', he said.
