A proposal for Hongkongers who enter China to undergo reverse quarantine in the SAR prior to crossing the border has been approved, said Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Lee said that details such as testing requirements and transportation of travellers into the Mainland once they complete their quarantine period will be worked out by a dedicated task force.
The proposal was approved after the CE attended an online meeting on Thursday morning with leaders from the Guangdong Province, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. It was agreed that Hongkongers can enter the Mainland via Shenzhen, and will undergo quarantine at the Lok Ma Chau Community Isolation Facility. However, further details, such as when the arrangements will come into effect and whether there will be a quota, will be determined by the task force.
The idea behind this arrangement is that “people who wish to travel to the mainland, after doing this quarantine [in Hong Kong], they will be regarded as having fulfilled the 7+3 requirement of the Mainland,” said Lee, referring to the Mainland’s requirement for inbound travellers to undergo seven days of hotel quarantine, followed by three days of home surveillance.
When asked about whether travel restrictions for Hong Kong-bound overseas travellers would be changed, Lee said that the rising number of Covid-19 cases “is posing a serious threat” to the hospital system and vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
“We need to cut the number of infected cases. The trend is still going up. We will do our best so that the pace at which it’s increasing is reduced. That will give me more room to do extra things,” said Lee, referring to easing the city’s current social distancing restrictions and quarantine requirements for international travellers.
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