Covid-19: Hong Kong to reduce quarantine for travelers from overseas

Medical personnel wearing protective gear direct arriving passengers to quarantine hotels at Hong Kong International Airport, Friday, April 1, 2022. AP - Kin Cheung

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Hong Kong will reduce the mandatory one-week quarantine in effect until now for anyone arriving from overseas.

The measure, announced by the city's chief executive John Lee, aims to revive economic activities and competitiveness in Hong Kong, which has been cut off from the world for more than two years, due to the draconian health measures imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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From Friday August 12, any traveler to Hong Kong will no longer need to self-isolate for a week in a government-designated hotel.

Three nights of compulsory quarantine will suffice, followed by four days of self-monitoring, at home or in a hotel of one's choice.

The Hong Kong executive's initiative aims to revive the business sector and revitalize the island's competitiveness, which has been undermined by the " 

 " health policy, among the strictest in the world, applied by Beijing.

Along with this relaxation, seen by some critics as cosmetic, Hong Kong is considering implementing a health QR code system, similar to the tracing app used in mainland China.

Code red for infected people who will not be able to leave isolation, code yellow for travelers arriving from abroad - after three days of quarantine - with a ban on bars, restaurants and cinemas for another 4 days .

A measure that risks diverting a large number of visitors, we are sorry in the tourism sector.

► Listen again to the International Report: In China, the "zero Covid", whatever the cost

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