Hong Kong to resume quarantine-free travel

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Hong Kong to resume quarantine-free travel

Lee said that the SAR government took into account all the risks and the new initiatives are in the city's best interests, striking a balance between pandemic control and Hong Kong's economic development.

After the announcement on Monday, Cathay Pacific Airways shares went up by 3.5 percent to HK $8.77, the biggest daily percentage rise since June 28.

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said the original 7 day hotel quarantine was no longer cost-effective in Hong Kong's efforts to reopen links with the international community as the number of positive cases detected among those under quarantine was very low.

According to the official data, only 4 percent of incoming travelers have been confirmed to have been infected with COVID - 19, with half of them detected through nucleic acid tests at the airport. Another 30 percent were confirmed on the second day of their hotel quarantine, but less than 1 percent were confirmed on the third day and afterwards.

Lo said arrivals are required to self monitor for 3 days after the first week. They will have to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test every day for ten days, as well as five nucleic acid tests on the day of their arrival in Hong Kong, the second, fourth, sixth and ninth day.

When asked how the government would ensure that travelers would take the RAT and nucleic acid tests at home, Lo warned that a criminal offense and offenders can be jailed for 6 months and fined HK $25,000 $3,185 The government will deploy more manpower to make sure the measures are enforced.

Lee said that the HKSAR government is working on its best in discussions regarding resuming quarantine-free travel with the Chinese mainland, but the details could not be revealed until a consensus has been reached.