Coronavirus: Hong Kong officials expect surge in imported cases after travel rules eased, but finance chief confident of economic boost
- ‘I noticed that the relevant arrangements have been welcomed by various groups both locally and overseas,’ Paul Chan says on his blog
- City records 4,979 new Covid-19 cases, 215 of which were imported; three more virus-related deaths reported
Health authorities are expecting a surge of imported Covid-19 cases as more people arrive in Hong Kong following the relaxation of quarantine rules, a change that has left many travellers confused over testing schedules and complaining of delayed updates to their health status.
But Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po remained confident on Sunday the eased quarantine regime would boost the economy, even as the outlook for growth was likely to remain “not ideal” for the second half of the year.
The new “3+4” quarantine arrangement, under which arrivals spend three days at a designated hotel and four at home, would allow economic activity to “regain vitality”, Chan said on his official blog.
“I noticed that the relevant arrangements have been welcomed by various groups both locally and overseas,” he wrote. “They believe that it will reduce inconvenience for visitors to Hong Kong and have a positive effect on the economy.”
Health authorities on Sunday confirmed 4,979 new Covid-19 cases, 215 of which were imported, along with three more virus-related deaths.