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Letters | Hong Kong third wave: two weeks of quarantine hardly inviting for travellers
- As they have been in place for several months, it should be possible to review the effects of the regulations and determine if they are still justified
- It’s important to know what percentage of passengers who tested negative upon entry had tested positive after two weeks
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The current quarantine regulations are an almost absolute deterrent to would-be travellers to Hong Kong. Even as a permanent resident, I am reluctant to return to Hong Kong as the thought of two weeks in a hotel room with no opportunity for exercise, sunlight (vitamin D) or company fills me with horror.
One can only guess at the true cost of these restrictions to the Hong Kong economy; the devastating effect on the hospitality and travel industry must run into millions. Of course, if these restrictions are saving lives and ensuring our medical services are not overwhelmed, they may be justified.
However, as they have been in place for several months, it should be possible to review the effects of the regulations and determine scientifically if they are justified. In particular, I would ask the government what percentage of passengers who tested negative upon entry had tested positive after two weeks.
05:13
Covid-19 pandemic forces Hong Kong hotels to rethink hospitality business models
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This must be known. If the answer is close to zero, there is clearly no need for a two-week quarantine. All that is required is for incoming passengers to be tested on entry.
For extra safety, there could be a requirement for passengers to be tested within 48 hours of their flight to Hong Kong. This, combined with testing on arrival, would provide complete safety and allow Hong Kong to be open to visitors again without compromising community health.
Dr Christopher Wood, Discovery Bay
Time to take mixed-mode teaching to the next level
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