Although the quota for traveling to Shenzhen via Shenzhen Bay Port increased to 2,000 per day, it was still difficult for Hong Kong people to book a room and scalping continues.

Mainland media reported that the quotas would not take up the original 2,000 places.

The other six groups included pregnant women and their companions, people with primary or serious illnesses, students who have completed quarantine in Hong Kong and been stranded for five days or longer, people whose immediate family members have recently become critically ill or passed away, people who are to take important exams, and people who are to attend court hearings.

Eligible persons can apply by calling the Shenzhen People's Government Administrative Hotline.

Applicants aged 70 or above could bring one adult and two children with them. Children under 14 must be unattended in Hong Kong and have a necessary reason to return to the mainland.

For applications on the grounds of illness, a medical certificate was required. Pregnant women stood for those who have given birth less than 12 months ago, those who need to bring their babies with them, or those who are currently pregnant.

Separately, the Hong Kong government announced that the operating hours of the Shenzhen Bay Control Point for passenger clearance will change to 9am to 8pm daily with effect from Friday until further notice.