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Hotel quarantine for HK arrivals reduced to three days
Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Monday that Hong Kong’s hotel quarantine for inbound travelers will be reduced from seven days to three days, with the change to take effect from Friday (Aug 12).
Speaking to reporters at a press preference this morning, the Hong Kong leader announced the quarantine period for inbound travelers will be shortened to three days, plus four days of medical surveillance at home.
The four days of health monitoring carry relatively loose rules, with travelers only unable to visit high-risk places like restaurants and bars. They can still leave their homes with their masks up at all times.
Those undergoing medical surveillance will be allowed to take public transport to work, enter shopping malls, department stalls, and wet markets, under the premise they tested negative with the rapid antigen test each day.
Authorities’ latest tweak to the quarantine rules also came with a tiered health-code system, with those people given an "Amber code" on their LeaveHomeSafe app to enforce the restrictions.
Arrivals will have to take repeated PCR tests during this period and their health code will change to red if they have Covid-19, meaning they must self-isolate.
If they remain negative for Covid after the entire period, the color of their health code will be changed to blue and they will be free to visit all venues again if they have the vaccine pass.
Lee stressed that the shortening of the hotel quarantine period doesn't mean Hong Kong is giving up on controlling the epidemic.
The government is striking a balance between controlling infection risks, allowing more economic activities and maintaining Hong Kong's competitiveness, he added.
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce welcomes the decision to reduce hotel quarantine for incoming visitors and appreciates the proactive measures that the government is phasing in and hopes that quarantine-free travel can be implemented as soon as practicable.
Cathay Pacific also welcomes the adjustments to the hotel quarantine arrangement for inbound arrivals entering Hong Kong.
"We are asking the government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all COVID-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status," the statement wrote.
Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai welcomes the government's adjustment and believes it is a good start to the full resumption of cross-boundary or border travel, especially for business travellers and those who come to Hong Kong for visiting friends and relatives.
The four days of health monitoring carry relatively loose rules, with travelers only unable to visit high-risk places like restaurants and bars. They can still leave their homes with their masks up at all times.
Those undergoing medical surveillance will be allowed to take public transport to work, enter shopping malls, department stalls, and wet markets, under the premise they tested negative with the rapid antigen test each day.
Authorities’ latest tweak to the quarantine rules also came with a tiered health-code system, with those people given an "Amber code" on their LeaveHomeSafe app to enforce the restrictions.
Arrivals will have to take repeated PCR tests during this period and their health code will change to red if they have Covid-19, meaning they must self-isolate.
If they remain negative for Covid after the entire period, the color of their health code will be changed to blue and they will be free to visit all venues again if they have the vaccine pass.
Lee stressed that the shortening of the hotel quarantine period doesn't mean Hong Kong is giving up on controlling the epidemic.
The government is striking a balance between controlling infection risks, allowing more economic activities and maintaining Hong Kong's competitiveness, he added.
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce welcomes the decision to reduce hotel quarantine for incoming visitors and appreciates the proactive measures that the government is phasing in and hopes that quarantine-free travel can be implemented as soon as practicable.
Cathay Pacific also welcomes the adjustments to the hotel quarantine arrangement for inbound arrivals entering Hong Kong.
"We are asking the government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all COVID-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status," the statement wrote.
Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai welcomes the government's adjustment and believes it is a good start to the full resumption of cross-boundary or border travel, especially for business travellers and those who come to Hong Kong for visiting friends and relatives.
