Hong Kong Effectively Lifts Quarantine Rules... "Allowing Restaurant Access for Arrivals"

Possibility of Travel Without Quarantine from China Also Increasing ↑

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] The Hong Kong government has effectively lifted quarantine regulations for incoming travelers. If they test negative, they can enter restaurants without any mandatory restriction period.

On the 13th, the Hong Kong government announced that it would abolish the three-day restaurant entry ban for incoming travelers starting from the 14th. At the weekly regular briefing that day, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced, "The mandatory scanning of the COVID-19 QR code app when entering public places will be suspended from the 14th." Accordingly, incoming travelers who test negative on PCR tests and have received at least three doses of the vaccine will be able to enter restaurants immediately.

Previously, incoming travelers had a yellow code displayed on the COVID-19 QR code app for three days, preventing them from entering places like restaurants where masks are removed. Travelers had to undergo PCR tests at the airport and on the third day after arrival, and only after testing negative would a blue code appear on the app.

In Hong Kong, the COVID-19 QR code app "LeaveHomeSafe," which contains vaccination records, must be scanned when entering public places to keep a record. Over the past two years, mandatory testing orders for close contacts identified through these entry records have been enforced, but from the 14th, this app scanning procedure will no longer be required.

However, authorities stipulated that when entering designated places such as restaurants, proof of vaccination recorded in the app must be presented. Currently, to use restaurants in Hong Kong, one must have received at least three vaccine doses.

The two PCR tests and the five-day rapid antigen test requirement for incoming travelers remain in place. If a traveler tests positive upon entry, a red code restricting movement will be assigned, and they must follow the authorities' quarantine guidelines. Additionally, mask-wearing mandates, rapid antigen testing before school attendance for students, and the ban on gatherings of more than 12 people remain enforced.

Chief Executive Lee said, "We made this decision based on data and infection risk analysis," adding, "We believe that easing quarantine measures will not lead to an increase in COVID-19 infections." He also mentioned that they are actively communicating with Chinese authorities regarding the possibility of quarantine-free travel with China.

Already, Hong Kong health authorities announced on the same day that they would abolish the PCR negative test requirement for travelers going from Hong Kong to mainland China and Macau. They also decided to eliminate the mandatory electronic bracelet for confirmed cases under home quarantine. This appears to be in line with the pace following China's significant easing of quarantine measures on the 7th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.