People walk past a vegetable store in the Shau Kei Wan district of Hong Kong on September 23, 2022. - AFP
Hong Kong: Hong Kong announced it will end mandatory hotel quarantine, scrapping some of the world’s toughest travel restrictions, which battered the economy and kept the finance hub internationally isolated.
The long-awaited move brings relief to residents and businesses clamouring for the city to rejoin the rest of the world in resuming unhindered travel and living with Covid-19 – though many pandemic restrictions remain.
For the past two and a half years Hong Kong has adhered to a version of China’s strict zero-Covid rules.
The announcement leaves mainland China as the only major economy still hewing to lengthy quarantine for international arrivals.
Chief Executive John Lee said the current three days of hotel quarantine would be reduced to zero for those arriving from overseas.
From Sept 26, travellers will be subject to PCR tests on arrival and will be unable to visit restaurants and bars for the first three days under a system authorities have dubbed “0+3”.
“Under this arrangement, the quarantine hotel system will be cancelled,” Lee told reporters.
But strict pandemic rules will stay in place, including social distancing restrictions, mandatory mask wearing and digital health codes to enter public venues.
Overseas arrivals will also need further PCR tests on days two, four and six in the city.
Tourists who test positive face being isolated in hotel rooms at their own expense. Most residents can isolate at home, but those who cannot may be sent to government facilities.
Group gatherings of more than four people in public remain banned.
Authorities also said they were lifting quotas on arrivals from mainland China – but those going in the opposite direction must still quarantine under Beijing’s strict zero-Covid rules. — AFP
