Hong Kong authorities announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday, stating that international travellers will no longer be subject to movement restrictions upon their arrival.
Foreign travellers will also be able to visit bars and restaurants immediately upon arrival. The government has also decided to discontinue the use of the mandatory COVID-19 scanning app for residents to enter public places.
Hong Kong Lifts Travel Restrictions
Hong Kong chief executive John Lee during his weekly press conference on Tuesday said, “We have made these two decisions because we have considered the data and the risks.”
According to officials, the updated COVID-19 travel guidelines will take effect on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. However, entry to some venues will still require proof of vaccination.
This decision to relax restrictions comes one day after mainland China announced that it will no longer use its COVID-19 tracking app.
It is worth noting here that, most countries have already lifted COVID-19 restrictions, but Hong Kong has been permitted to implement a less strict version of China’s zero-COVID strategy.
During the pandemic, access to public and commercial spaces was controlled by an app called “LeaveHomeSafe,” which was linked to residents’ vaccination status.
The strict COVID-19 restrictions had a negative impact on the tourism industry and the economy as a whole, leading to calls from business groups, diplomats, and many residents for an end to the restrictions.
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