Hong Kong to Lift Most COVID-19 Restrictions

Hong Kong is set to ease several COVID-19 measures, including dropping PCR tests for incoming travelers and lifting vaccination mandates for access to certain locations, the city’s leader announced on Wednesday.

Throughout much of the pandemic, Hong Kong followed China’s “zero-COVID” policy, enforcing strict testing and quarantine rules for close contacts and travelers.

However, in recent weeks, mainland China has eased its restrictions, and Hong Kong is gearing up for the January reopening of its border with China, which had previously implemented tough measures to control the virus.

“Our community has developed a strong and comprehensive level of immunity (against COVID-19),” said Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee at a press briefing. Over 80% of the population has received at least three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Close contacts of COVID-19 cases will no longer be required to isolate in Hong Kong, and there will be no cap on the number of diners allowed per table at restaurants. These eased rules will come into effect starting Thursday.

Masks will still be mandatory in public, except during exercise, as removing the mask requirement could trigger a spike in respiratory illnesses like flu, especially with Hong Kong's seasonal increase in flu cases, explained Secretary of Health Lo Chung-mau at the press briefing.

In September, Hong Kong eliminated quarantine rules for incoming travelers, aiming to revive tourism after more than two years of strict entry policies.

From January 8, China will end its quarantine requirement for inbound travelers, according to an announcement made earlier this week.