The government made the announcement on Friday evening, saying the decision came after a traveler from the US was confirmed as Hong Kong's fifth Omicron case today.

After finishing the seven-day quarantine at Penny's Bay, the returnees will then be transferred to the designated quarantine hotels to finishing the remaining 14-day quarantine.

During the seven days at Penny's Bay, returnees will have to undergo daily Covid test and their health conditions will be monitored by healthcare professionals.

At the quarantine hotels, they are still required to undergo frequent testing, followed by another compulsory testing in a community testing center on the 26th day of their arrival.

The arrangement will also apply to inbound travelers from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

On anther note, Cuba, Kuwait and Liechtenstein will be listed as Group A high-risk places starting next Monday as well.

Non-residents who have stayed there within 21 days will be banned entry. Hong Kong residents can only board a returning flight if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognized vaccination record.

They will have to undergo compulsory 21-day quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel, and undergo six Covid tests during the period.