China News Service, Hong Kong, December 28 (Reporter Liu Dawei) The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Lee Ka-chao, announced on the 28th that taking into account factors such as Hong Kong's overall new crown vaccination rate and anti-epidemic drug reserves, the epidemic prevention measures will be further relaxed, including the cancellation of entry-time restrictions for all people. Or subsequent mandatory nucleic acid testing, etc.
On December 28, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held a press conference, announcing the cancellation of the quarantine order, no longer defining close contacts, and canceling the vaccine pass, mandatory nucleic acid testing requirements for all immigrants, and all social distance measures, only maintaining the mask order. Effective from the 29th.
The picture shows Lee Ka-chao, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attending a press conference.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Chen Yongnuo
On the same day, Li Jiachao led Lu Chongmao, Director of the Medical Services and Health Bureau of the Special Administrative Region Government, and Xu Lejian, Director of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health, to hold a press conference on the "Guidance and Coordination Group for Epidemic Response" at the Government Headquarters of the Special Administrative Region Government, announcing four new epidemic prevention measures:
First, cancel the "quarantine order" and no longer define close contacts.
Advice on health measures will be issued to such people through the confirmed cases.
Second, cancel the "vaccine pass".
Take more targeted measures and continue to promote "one old and one young" vaccination.
Third, cancel all mandatory nucleic acid testing for entry.
Arrivals from overseas, mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan are not required to undergo mandatory nucleic acid testing upon or after arrival in Hong Kong. Instead, they are advised to conduct a five-day rapid antigen test on their own.
Fourth, cancel all social distance measures, including "restricted gatherings", 1.5-meter table distance, etc., and only maintain the "mask order".
The above new measures will come into effect on December 29.
Li Jiachao said that he believes that the optimized measures can further promote Hong Kong's "recovery", and the SAR government will continue to monitor the development of the epidemic and study optimized arrangements.
On December 28, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held a press conference, announcing the cancellation of the quarantine order, no longer defining close contacts, and canceling the vaccine pass, mandatory nucleic acid testing requirements for all immigrants, and all social distance measures, only maintaining the mask order. Effective from the 29th.
The picture shows the scene of the press conference.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Chen Yongnuo
Regarding the implementation and progress of the "customs clearance" arrangements with the Mainland, Li Jiachao said that he will discuss with the relevant Mainland authorities.
He pointed out that the two places have not been able to "clear customs" in the past three years, and the initial demand must be huge. Therefore, the SAR government must ensure the smooth operation of the customs clearance, so that it is gradual, orderly, and comprehensive. arrange".
Li Jiachao pointed out that Hong Kong currently has four channels for "customs clearance" with the mainland, namely air, shipping, railway and land ports.
Air, ship and rail are "point-to-point" shifts that can be increased gradually.
However, the land port is the "customs clearance" method with the largest flow of people between Hong Kong and the mainland, and it is necessary to test whether the relevant procedures and supporting measures are smooth.
He hopes to implement it by January 15, 2023.
(use up)