21 Dec 2022 | 07:03 AM UTC
China: Authorities in Hong Kong to ease some domestic COVID-19 measures from Dec. 22 /update 103
Authorities in Hong Kong, China, to further ease some domestic curbs from Dec. 22. Testing rules and capacity limits for some venues lifted.
Event
Hong Kong officials will ease additional domestic COVID-19 measures from Dec. 22. Authorities will allow eating outdoors at public premises, events, and sports venues. Individuals will also no longer need to take a rapid antigen test before patronizing bars, nightclubs, banquets, and local tours. The capacity limits on some venues, such as restaurants, banquet halls, and pubs, will end. Authorities had earlier withdrawn the requirement for individuals to scan their Leave Home Safe mobile application to enter public venues. However, the vaccine pass scheme will remain in place; residents must present their vaccination records electronically or on paper to enter designated venues such as bars and restaurants.
International travelers arriving in Hong Kong will not be issued an amber health code and can visit high-risk premises like restaurants, bars, and fitness centers in the first three days of arriving if they test negative for COVID-19. Passengers must continue to take a PCR test at the airport and on day 3 after arrival, as well as a daily RAT until day 5. Cross-border travelers entering Macau and mainland China are no longer required to undergo a pre-departure PCR test at checkpoints but must still complete a PCR test 48 hours before departure.
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 three doses to obtain a vaccine pass. Meanwhile, children ages 5-11 must take at least two vaccine doses to receive a vaccine pass. Individuals may present electronic or paper records of their vaccination doses.
COVID-19 cases and their close contacts must self-isolate for at least five days at home or a community facility if cohabitants are at high risk and their living conditions do not provide adequate space. Individuals may exit quarantine after obtaining two consecutive negative RAT results on days 4 and 5.
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. 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.
The government allows personal services, fitness sites, and cultural and leisure venues to operate at 50 percent capacity. 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 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 undergo self-monitoring for five days. Affected travelers must take a daily RAT until day 5 and undergo a PCR test on day 3 after arrival.
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.
