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Latest news and updates about Hong Kong quarantine rules and policies which have been put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Hong Kong government has stipulated that people arriving in Hong Kong must undertake compulsory quarantine in hotels, for up to 21 days in some cases. The city also has designated quarantine camps for people who have been in close contact with confirmed cases. The measures are all part of methods to stem the transmission of Covid-19.
Move comes as city’s hybrid immunity from Covid-19 jabs and previous infection grows, but there are still health measures to follow.
After three years of Covid-induced disruptions and widespread outbreaks currently on both sides, authorities have to get their plans just right.
As Hong Kong ends most of its Covid-19 restrictions in line with mainland China, care must be taken to reduce risks and protect the public healthcare system.
The Hong Kong government is right to maintain existing social-distancing rules, not tighten them, for a city that should remain vigilant as it longs for a return to normality.
‘Fruitful’ trip to Thailand by John Lee the latest move in unequalled self-promotion push to relaunch Hong Kong on the global stage.
Although John Lee’s pledge to further relax Covid controls while balancing health protection is to be welcomed, he must not underestimate the calls for him to do even more.
- Heung Yuen Wai crossing, used by trucks only since 2020, will start operations as all border checkpoints resume service
- Curious sightseers visit the New Territories checkpoint to check it out a day before it opens up
Centre for Health Protection official tells inquest that expansion of Covid-19 task force did not keep pace with fourth wave surge.
Mandatory tests for travellers and quota for mainland China border crossings may also end in coming days, says pro-Beijing heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung.
City rushed to build quarantine facilities on sprawling sites, now only two out of nine are in use.
More than 250,000 people in Hong Kong have so far registered to travel to mainland via platform, government says.
Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau assures public that rising caseloads will not overwhelm healthcare system.
Among the biggest changes is the dropping of PCR tests for arrivals and all social-distancing restrictions.
Travel sector needs government subsidies to recover from almost three years of Covid-19 curbs, industry leaders say.
Global businesses will refocus on Hong Kong as more Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed while an expected reopening of the border with mainland China helps retain its hub status, some commercial landlords say.
Travellers can now quarantine at home or any hotel of their choice instead of at centralised isolation facilities.
City leader John Lee’s decision to lift a number of restrictions was undertaken without going through city’s key decision-making body, insiders say.
Lowest level of restrictions since the pandemic hit explained after government moves closer to return to normal life.
Business leaders, economists warn it could take more than a year after all restrictions end before economy bounces back to pre-coronavirus levels.
Arrivals from Wednesday who test negative will no longer need an amber health code and can enter restaurants and other premises previously off limits to them.
Residents and arrivals infected with Covid-19 will be allowed to leave isolation on the fifth day if they test negative for two days in a row beforehand.
Easing of restrictions by Beijing sparks hopes that city can also axe entry restrictions for inbound travellers.
Duo thought to be responsible last year for sparking cluster in city’s fifth and most severe wave of infections.
Beijing’s new policy allows inbound travellers to serve five days of hotel quarantine – down from a week – and three in home isolation.
New measures letting tourists enter places like museums and theme parks kick in this month, although the government has yet to specify a launch date.
Switch to throat swabs only could reduce sample collection time by two-thirds and will not pose risk to local pandemic situation, says adjunct associate professor.
