Coronavirus: Hong Kong may cut hotel quarantine to 5 days, with 2 more in home isolation, incoming health minister says
- Professor Lo Chung-mau, who will be new secretary for health on July 1, reveals ‘5+2’ option among possibilities being considered
- Mainland China has reduced quarantine time for overseas arrivals, a move that could open up room for manoeuvring on city’s Covid-19 curbs, some experts say
Hong Kong could cut hotel quarantine for travellers to five days, with another two to be spent in home isolation, the incoming health minister has told the Post.
Professor Lo Chung-mau on Tuesday revealed the possibility of the city easing its Covid-19 curbs, the same day mainland China reduced quarantine time for overseas arrivals.
Some health experts and politicians said the mainland’s move could have an impact on Hong Kong’s own Covid-19 restrictions and open up room for manoeuvring, provided the change was backed up by scientific evidence and data.
Lo will become the new secretary for health on July 1. He told the Post he had been weighing different options that could help shorten quarantine.
“The 5+2 option is among those we have been considering,” he said, referring to an option of five days’ quarantine in hotels and the remaining two days at home.
“But since we are still a few days from taking office, and we do not want to override the policies of the current administration, we would only make further announcements when we take office.
“I know residents and travellers are looking forward to hearing some good news. We are actively considering these options.”