China: Authorities in Hong Kong ease some COVID-19 measures Dec. 9 /update 101

Event

Hong Kong officials have eased isolation requirements for local COVID-19 cases and testing requirements for inbound travelers Dec. 9. Under the revised measures, people infected with COVID-19 and their close contacts can have their isolation periods cut from seven to five days if they obtain two consecutive negative rapid antigen test (RAT) results on days 4 and 5. The shortened period will also apply to unvaccinated individuals, who were previously required to isolate for 14 days.

Inbound travelers from Taiwan and international locations are required to undergo daily RATs for five days instead of seven. Passengers must continue to take a PCR test upon arrival and on the third day. Other domestic measures will remain in effect.

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 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 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. 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 two days. Affected travelers must take a daily RAT until day 5 and undergo a PCR test on day 3 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.

Resources

Hong Kong Government
Leave Home Safe