18 Nov 2022 | 07:53 AM UTC
China: Authorities in Hong Kong ease testing requirements for inbound travelers as of Nov. 18 /update 100
Authorities in Hong Kong, China, reduce testing requirements for inbound travelers as of Nov. 18. Local restrictions ongoing.
Event
Hong Kong officials have eased testing requirements for inbound travelers from Taiwan and international locations as of Nov. 18. Under the revised measures, travelers no longer need to undergo PCR COVID-19 testing on days 4 and 6 after arrival. On-arrival PCR testing (day zero) and a PCR test on the second day after arrival will continue. Although the new rules do not officially come into effect until Nov. 21, the government is exempting arrivals through Nov. 20 that have taken their second PCR test.
Domestic Measures
Residents must wear facemasks in public areas, except for country parks. Officials limit public groups to 12 people. Officials require a vaccine pass for individuals five years old and above to visit specific venues, such as personal services, entertainment venues, fitness establishments, and places of worship. People ages 12 and above must receive two doses to obtain a vaccine pass; the government will require a third dose to maintain vaccine passes from Nov. 30. Meanwhile, children ages 5-11 must take at least one vaccine dose to receive a vaccine pass. Authorities will require two doses by Nov. 30 for affected children to maintain their vaccine pass status. Individuals must use the Leave Home Safe mobile application to access affected facilities. Alternative forms are available for exempt groups.
COVID-19 cases and their close contacts must self-isolate for at least seven days at home or a community facility if cohabitants 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.
Officials continue to order targeted, 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.
The government allows personal services, fitness sites, and cultural and leisure venues to operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants can operate with groups of up to 12 people; banquets can take place with up to 240 people. Nightclubs, pubs, and karaoke rooms may hold up to 75 percent capacity; nightclubs remain limited to six people per table. People attending banquets, bars, and nightclubs must present a negative RAT 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.
International Travel Restrictions
Hong Kong permits entry for Hong Kong residents and children aged 11 or below from all locations and travelers from mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan, regardless of vaccination status. Nonresident foreign nationals aged 12 and above must be fully vaccinated or medically exempt with documentation to enter the territory. All travelers from Taiwan and international locations must also upload proof of a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) obtained within 24 hours before departure via the Health Declaration Form. Arrivals must undergo an on-arrival PCR test.
Arrivals from mainland China and Macau must undergo self-monitoring for three days after arrival and take a PCR test on day two after entry. Inbound passengers from Taiwan and international locations must carry out medical surveillance for three days and self-monitoring for four days. Affected travelers must take a daily RAT until day seven and undergo PCR tests on day 2 after arrival. These travelers will receive an amber health code preventing them from visiting high-risk premises like restaurants, bars, and fitness centers during the medical surveillance period. However, individuals may attend work, enter public venues where facemasks are required, and use public transport with a daily negative RAT result.
Travelers can only enter Hong Kong through the Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge land checkpoints and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). 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 getting 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.
