23 Sep 2022 | 10:49 AM UTC
China: Authorities in Hong Kong to ease quarantine measures for entrants from Sept. 26 /update 99
Authorities in Hong Kong, China, to relax quarantine requirements for entrants from Sept. 26. Other measures remain in effect.
Event
Hong Kong officials will no longer require entrants to undergo mandatory quarantine at a hotel from Sept. 26. Travelers must instead monitor their health conditions at home or a hotel of their choice for three days; entrants may go outside but will not be allowed to enter some premises, such as restaurants and bars. Entrants will need to take polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests two, four, and six days after arrival. Authorities will relax multiple other measures, including allowing unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated Hong Kong residents to travel to the city. Officials will also require entrants to provide a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) obtained within 24 hours before departure, instead of the polymerase chain reaction test obtained within 48 hours, and allow entrants to immediately leave their airport after undergoing an on-arrival PCR test. Authorities will also ease quotas limiting the return of residents and non-residents from mainland China and Macao without undergoing quarantine.
Domestic Measures
Residents must wear facemasks in all public areas. Officials limit public groups to four people. The government allows personal services, fitness sites, and cultural and leisure venues to operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants can operate until 23:59; banquets can take place with up to 120 people. Nightclubs, pubs, and karaoke rooms may open until 02:00 at 75 percent capacity; customers must present a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours to enter such premises. People dining out in groups of more than eight must present a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours or a PCR test taken within the last 48 hours. Private events can occur at 50 percent capacity; officials permit events at full capacity if at least two-thirds of attendees have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.
The vaccine pass system remains in effect. Officials require a pass, indicating at least three COVID-19 vaccine doses, to visit certain venues, such as personal services, fitness establishments, and places of worship. Individuals must use the Leave Home Safe mobile application to access most dining, entertainment, and fitness facilities. Alternative forms are available for exempt groups.
The government continues to order focused, short-duration lockdowns at select buildings within an area and require residents to remain at home until testing is complete. Shutdowns can occur without notice but typically take place overnight. COVID-19 cases and their close contacts must self-isolate for at least seven days at home, or a community facility if any of them are at high risk and their living conditions do not provide adequate space. Asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 cases and close contacts who have received two vaccine doses can exit quarantine after obtaining two consecutive negative rapid antigen test (RAT) results on days 6 and 7. Unvaccinated individuals or people who have received only one vaccine dose may leave home after obtaining a negative RAT result on day 14. Authorities require unvaccinated COVID-19 patients aged 70 and above to quarantine at a specialized medical facility. People who do not comply with mandatory quarantine orders may face a fine of HKD 25,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.
International Travel Restrictions
Fully vaccinated residents and all travelers who spent the previous 14 days in Macau, Taiwan, and mainland China may enter Hong Kong. Authorities also allow nonresident foreign nationals to enter the territory. Vaccinated senior executives of select publicly listed or registered financial services companies can enter if they meet specific criteria. Permitted executives must undergo COVID-19 testing and adhere to approved itineraries. Arrivals must undergo on-arrival COVID-19 testing.
During the self-monitoring period, travelers may not visit high-risk premises like restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and fitness centers. However, individuals may attend work and enter public venues like shopping malls and public transport if their daily COVID-19 test result is negative. From Nov. 1, incoming travelers that test positive for COVID-19 may remain in their designated quarantine hotels instead of being transferred to isolation hotels or community facilities; individuals may leave quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 on day six and seven of isolation. For a detailed list of quarantine and testing requirements, click here.
The government allows some groups, such as government officials on duty and cargo and coach drivers, to self-quarantine. Travelers may enter Hong Kong through the Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge checkpoints, as well as Hong Kong International Airport (HKG.. All other border checkpoints remain closed.
Inbound ship and flight crews must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours before departure for Hong Kong. Locally based aircrew arriving in Hong Kong may return home after obtaining a negative nucleic acid test result at the airport. Shipping companies must arrange point-to-point transport for employees to limit interaction with the public; ship workers must travel directly to the airport after disembarking. Cruise ships remain banned.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by local health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
