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SCMP Editorial

At long last, China will reopen its borders and ease control over the coronavirus starting from January 8, paving the way to eventually bring public life back to normal.
This also means visitors from Hong Kong and the rest of the world can expect fewer restrictions.
The surprise breakthrough is undoubtedly good news to many who have been longing for a reopening of the border, but it will also put authorities on both sides to the greatest test.
It is important that the process is smooth and health risks are manageable.


The downgrading of the disease to a common respiratory infection means there will be no compulsory lockdowns any more.
While there will be PCR tests 48 hours before departure for inbound travellers, they will no longer be quarantined, and restrictions on international flights will also be removed, according to the National Health Commission.
Arrangements for foreigners to enter China, such as for work or business, will be improved as well. But closed-loop management may still apply under strengthened prevention and control protocols at key facilities, such as care homes for the elderly.
Foreign business groups welcome China’s post-Covid reopening plan
The easing of curbs was seemingly impossible under the previous “zero-Covid” policy.
Indeed, three years of stringent controls have taken a heavy toll on the mainland and Hong Kong, both economically and socially.
Despite the disturbing outbreaks in recent weeks, citizens on both sides have taken advantage of the gradual relaxation of restrictions to dine out, shop and travel.
The economies have also picked up further after a long period of recession. The bounce underlines the urge to bring life back to normal.


The move to finally “live with the virus” is to be welcomed, but it will also bring yet another major challenge to the authorities on the mainland and in Hong Kong.
How this will affect the outbreak and the city’s Covid policies shall be closely watched.
The news has understandably drawn mixed reactions. To those longing for family reunions, holidays and business trips, it is an overdue and welcome change.
But it also raises concerns over a possible rise in health risks, and an influx of mainlanders for vaccinations and medications. The potential impact on society cannot be underestimated.
China shifts Covid focus to critical care with push for more beds
The opening up is, after all, not simply pressing a button. Last year, it took a long time for authorities on both sides to prepare for a gradual and orderly resumption of cross-border travel, only to be stalled by a deadly fifth wave.
There are barely two weeks left to get ready this time. This includes getting cross-border transport as well as customs and immigration clearance up and running again.
Adding to the challenge are the unsettling outbreaks on both sides. Every effort must be made to ensure their impact is under control.


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Coronavirus China

Mainland and Hong Kong to face toughest of tests in border reopening

Despite the outbreaks in recent weeks, citizens on both sides have taken advantage of the gradual relaxation of restrictions to dine out, shop and travel. Photo: Kyodo

Travel to China to get easier from January 8 as Covid barriers come down

China will drop its Covid-19 quarantine requirement for passengers arriving from abroad from January 8 in the latest easing of the country’s once-strict virus-control measures. Photo: AP Photo

China to reopen borders, drop Covid quarantine from January 8

Coronavirus lockdowns are expected to be a thing of the past with reclassification of Covid-19 management. Photo: Reuters

China stops declaring daily Covid cases as wave strains hospitals, funeral services

Nurses get ready for their shift outside  a fever clinic at a hospital  in Beijing, as the Covid surge continues. Photo: Reuters 

Opinion


As welcome as a return to normality is, care must be taken not to raise the risks of further Covid outbreaks or for health facilities to be overwhelmed by arrivals



As welcome as a return to normality is, care must be taken not to raise the risks of further Covid outbreaks or for health facilities to be overwhelmed by arrivals.


Coronavirus Hong Kong

Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus pandemic: All stories

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Mainland and Hong Kong to face toughest of tests in border reopening

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} As welcome as a return to normality is, care must be taken not to raise the risks of further Covid outbreaks or for health facilities to be overwhelmed by arrivals

Editorial | Mainland and Hong Kong to face toughest of tests in border reopening

As welcome as a return to normality is, care must be taken not to raise the risks of further Covid outbreaks or for health facilities to be overwhelmed by arrivals