Hong Kong flags COVID quarantine policy change, wants an orderly opening-up

HONG KONG: Hong Kong said on Tuesday it aims to make an announcement soon on its controversial COVID-19 hotel quarantine policy for all arrivals, as it wants to keep the city connected with the rest of the world and allow an "orderly opening-up".

The city's leader, John Lee, said he was conscious Hong Kong needed to retain its competitiveness, adding that authorities were keen to bring back events and activities to the city.

"We know exactly where we should be heading and want to be consistent as we move in that direction. We would like to have an orderly opening-up...because we don't want to have chaos or confusion in the process," he told reporters.

Taking its cues from China which is pursuing a zero-COVID policy, Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world to still require travellers from abroad to quarantine upon arrival although the length of quarantine has eased over time. Currently, arrivals must pay for three days in a hotel and follow that with four days of self-monitoring.

The hotel portion will now be scrapped and be replaced with seven days of self-monitoring, the South China Morning Post quoted sources as saying. Under current rules for self-monitoring, people can stay in their own home but they do have to do tests and there are some limits on their movement.

The changes could be announced this week, other local media reported.

Business groups, diplomats and many residents have slammed hotel quarantine rules, in place since March 2020, as well as the city's other COVID restrictions, saying they threaten Hong Kong's standing as a global financial centre.

The rules have fuelled an exodus of both expats and local families that was kickstarted by Beijing's efforts to exert control over the former British colony and limit freedoms. Some 113,000 people have left since mid 2021, according to government figures.

The rules have also forced airlines to drop dozens of flight routes to and from Hong Kong which used to boast one of the world's busiest airports, while scores of events have been cancelled or postponed.

In contrast, rival financial hub Singapore is hosting a slew of high-profile conferences this month that has seen business boom for hotels and restaurants.

As part of its efforts to get business back to a more normal footing, Hong Kong is planning to host a major finance conference and the international Rugby Sevens in November. Bankers have said quarantine-free travel is a precondition for attending the conference.

It is unclear whether other COVID restrictions will also be relaxed. Hong Kong still bans public groups of more than four people and masks are mandatory, even for children as young as two.