From Friday, 12 August, Hong Kong will shorten the hotel quarantine period for all arrivals from a week to three days to gradually unwind the strict pandemic rules that have isolated the Asian financial hub.
Arrivals will need to self-monitor for a further four days after the three-day quarantine period and will not be allowed to enter venues such as restaurants and bars.
People in quarantine will be issued with a red code on a government-mandated app, which will change to a yellow code once they leave quarantine, signifying they may not enter crowded premises.
Of the new measures, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said: “We need to balance between people’s livelihood and the competitiveness of Hong Kong to give the community maximum momentum and economic vitality.”
The city’s border has been almost completely sealed since 2020 and is one of the last places in the world to still impose quarantine for arrivals.
More than 100 flights were banned this year, a major frustration for businesses and residents for easy and efficient travel from the city.
Shares in flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways leapt as much as 3.5 per cent after Monday’s announcement to HKD$8.77, the biggest daily percentage rise since June 28 after the suspension of a rule that banned individual flights for bringing in COVID-infected passengers.
Cathay said the adjustments were positive steps to help facilitate travel into Hong Kong.
“We are asking the government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all COVID-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status.”
Cathay has been battered by Hong Kong’s strict pandemic rules over the past two years, which has led to a 98 per cent fall in passenger numbers.
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Via AAP
