The Hong Kong government has finally decided to end the mandatory hotel quarantine measures for international passengers after two years, effective September 26, 2022. Passengers will, however, have to undergo three days of home medical surveillance, as per the new rule.
Hong Kong authorities have been under tremendous pressure to lift the stringent pandemic norms from the airlines, medical experts, and the business community. Finally, in an attempt to stay in the competition Hong Kong has relaxed the measures. “However, the international passengers will have to present a negative PCR test within 48 hours before boarding a plane to Hong Kong,” the city's chief executive John Lee said.
“While we can control the trend of the epidemic, we must allow the maximum room to allow connectivity with the world, so that we can have economic momentum and to reduce inconvenience to arriving travelers,” Lee further added.
As per new norms, the incoming passengers will not require a pre-flight PCR test but will be screened upon arrival under a ‘test-and-go’ practice which will not require them to wait at the airport.