Hong Kong has dropped most of its Covid-19 prevention measures

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People entering Hong Kong do not need to do a PCR test on arrival, do not need to be isolated, and vaccine passports will also be dropped.

From December 29, the Hong Kong government removed most of the Covid-19 prevention measures, such as not requiring PCR testing upon entry, removing the vaccine pass, and quarantining close contacts. However, wearing a mask in public is still required. This easing closely resembles the mainland policy announced on December 26. Hong Kong is expected to reopen its border with the mainland, as early as January 10, according to SCMP.

However, people entering the country still need to present a negative result (PCR or antigen) within 24 or 48 hours prior to arrival. They will be encouraged to take the rapid test daily for the first 5 days.

Positive cases must be isolated for 5 days. Close contacts do not need to be isolated for 5 days or tested daily.

Currently, visitors to restaurants, bars or entertainment facilities such as gyms, cinemas do not need to show a vaccine passport or face any quarantine restrictions. Restaurants have removed the requirement to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters between tables. The ban on 12 or more people gathering in public places was also lifted.

John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong's goal is to fully restore orderly cross-border travel from mid-January 2023. The moves are not quick or sudden. Currently, about 2.5 million people have been infected with Covid-19 and 94% have received two doses of the vaccine. "Hong Kong has achieved a high vaccination rate, creating an anti-epidemic barrier," he said.

But pandemic adviser David Hui Shu-cheong warned the local health system could be overwhelmed after Hong Kong opens its borders. There are currently about 80 centers providing Covid-19 testing services throughout the city, free of charge to locals. Visitors from the mainland will have to pay.

Source: vnexpress.net