Hong Kong lifts COVID-19 rules for foreign helpers

Foreign domestic helpers line up at the temporary testing center for COVID- 19, in Hong Kong, according to this May 1, 2021 photo. KIN CHEUNG AP HONG KONG Foreign domestic helpers coming to work in Hong Kong on or after December 2 are only required to undergo daily rapid antigen tests after arriving in Hong Kong, instead of the current Day 7 after arrival, according to the Labour Department.

The test requirement for undergoing a nucleic acid test upon arrival and on Day 2 after arrival remains the same as per the new arrangement announced on Thursday.

A Labour Department spokesman said that the Commissioner for Labour had given in-principle approval for employers to arrange foreign domestic helpers stay in licensed hotels or guesthouses during those five days, due to the conditions of individual families.

The spokesman said that there was no need to make an application to the department to make such an arrangement, but employers who opt for this plan should bear the accommodation expenses and provide a food allowance to their helpers for this period.

As for helpers arriving in Hong Kong before December 9 who are still staying at licensed hotels or guesthouses for the three-day medical surveillance and four-day self-monitoring, they can stay at the hotel or guesthouse for no more than seven days to complete the course.

Helpers can work at their employer's residence and take transportation, enter supermarkets and markets, but they are subject to amber code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass, meaning they can not enter high-risk premises involving mask-off or group activities as well as other premises requiring key protection.

Helpers coming to work in Hong Kong still need to show proof of a negative RAT result conducted within 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time, as well as complete the online declaration prior to boarding a flight, according to the department.

The special administrative region government announced on Thursday that the isolation period for people infected with COVID 19 and their close contacts will be cut to five days starting Friday.

The existing social--distancing measures and mask mandate in public places will remain in place until December 28 and those who are infected still need to do daily rapid antigen tests for five days and the existing social-distancing measures and mask mandate in public places will remain in place until December 28.