Hong Kong to lift flight bans imposed on nine countries starting April

March 22, 2022 London

Starting April 1, flight bans will be lifted from nine countries, including Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, the US, and Nepal, initially scheduled to remain until April 20. Seeing that these countries no longer pose a serious risk, the new policy will allow for Hongkongers abroad to return home. Countries will no longer be designated in groups A, B, and C.

Travelers are required to produce a vaccination record of two doses, a negative PCR test within 48 hours prior to travel, and proof of a seven-day quarantine hotel booking. Upon arrival, travelers are expected to undergo a PCR test and will be given a pandemic kit including self-administered RAT tests which are to be carried out daily throughout quarantine.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam also announced that social-distancing rules will still be maintained until April 20 and will not be relaxed ahead of time, citing that the Covid-19 situation in the city is still severe. Hong Kong to lift flight bans imposed on nine countries starting April.

If Covid-19 infections do not rebound, social-distancing measures will be relaxed in three phases starting April 21. The first phase will include the reopening of gyms, beauty salons, massage parlors, religious places, game centers, and sports venues. Group gathering will be increased to four from the previous two. And restaurants will be allowed to operate until 10 pm, from 6 pm, allowing four diners per table.

Phase two of Covid measures will see bars reopening (operation until 2 am, seat up to four people per table), as well as all other temporarily closed venues, including party rooms, karaoke lounges, and swimming pools. Restaurants will be allowed to seat eight people per table, and dine-in services will be extended to midnight.

Operating hours for these designated venues and guest capacity will be further extended in the third phase. Hong Kong to lift flight bans imposed on nine countries starting April

On Sunday, 14,149 new Covid-19 infections were reported in the city, bringing down the daily tally below 20,000 for the second day in a row. Positive cases include 8,273 infections reported through antigen testing and 5,876 via government RT-PCR tests. Meanwhile, 246 additional deaths were recorded, 205 patients who died in the past 24 hours were either unvaccinated or had only got one jab.

In an earlier announcement, the government adjusted the second jab deadline to April 30 and the third jab deadline by a month to May 31 under the vaccine pass scheme. Entering restaurants, shopping malls, and supermarkets require vaccine proof via Hong Kong’s Leave Home Safe App. According to the government, the city has enough Covid-19 vaccines for those eligible to get inoculated by the deadline.

Also announced on Monday, March 21, is the decision to retract a previous announcement regarding universal testing of Covid-19. Noting that the timing is critical, Lam no longer sees this measure as the most effective right now. The Hong Kong leader urges the public to get vaccinated and follow social distancing restrictions so that life could resume gradually in Hong Kong in the next four weeks.

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