Hong Kong authorities aim to relaunch the region's economy by easing COVID-19-related travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.
The orders will lift flight bans that have been in place in nine countries that include the United States and also reduce mandatory quarantine for travelers returning to the region down to seven days. The decision is the first easing of restrictions in the last few months amid the "zero-covid" policy.
Hong Kong's Travel Restrictions
The easing of restrictions will begin on Apr. 1. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has acknowledged that the decision was sound for local patients and their close contacts. She also cited that many other nations have opted to ease travel restrictions despite the health crisis.
But while the decision comes as good news to business travelers, holidaymakers, and many people who are looking forward to spending time with family, it also comes as a disappointment to businesses and other individuals. This is because many of the rules will continue to be in place for another month, as per the South China Morning Post.
The changes also underscore rising pressure on Hong Kong officials to not only focus on reopening the region's border with mainland China but also restore its international operations. This is because more and more companies and professionals are leaving the city because of the tyrannical pandemic restrictions.
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Despite the easing of restrictions, only fully vaccinated residents will be allowed to enter the city of Hong Kong. The order to lift the bans became the first major move in officials' attempts to reopen Hong Kong's international ties, which have been generally closed off since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic two years ago.
According to the Washington Post, the decision also comes as the city's coronavirus situation continues to worsen, with health experts citing increasing infections and deaths since February. The total case in Hong Kong has reached over one million as of Sunday. This comes as the population of the region is at an estimated 7.5 million. The last pandemic wave also resulted in the death of roughly 5,600 people.
Coronavirus Infections and Fatalities
Once known as Asia's undisputed business hub, Hong Kong has struggled against its fifth wave of coronavirus infections. The incident has resulted in an overload of the region's health care system, which is considered to be a brain drain and a huge blow to the economy.
Lam added that Hong Kong residents returning internationally will be allowed to leave hotel quarantine if they test negative for the coronavirus virus on the fifth, sixth, and seventh day of their quarantine. Afterward, they will be required to take seven days for self-monitoring.
Hong Kong's quarantine restrictions have been one of the most severe and gained notoriety in the international business community. Before the easing of restrictions, the majority of inbound travelers were required to self-isolate in hotel rooms for three weeks, which is one of the longest quarantine periods in the world. The changes also come after Lam acknowledged the need to improve the city's standing in global business, CNN Business reported.
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