Synopsis
The government of Hong Kong said that it would remove the ban from nine countries including Britain, the US, Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The city had put a flight ban on most of the nations since January due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
In a recent travel update, the government of Hong Kong has announced the plans to lift the ban on international flights starting April 1. The government said that it would remove the ban from nine countries including Britain, the US, Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The city had put a flight ban on most of the nations since January due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
In addition, Hong Kong will also reduce the quarantine duration for travellers from 14 days to 7 days. Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong made the announcement during a press conference on Monday. However, only fully vaccinated travellers who test negative before entering the city will be allowed to get inside.
Lam further said, “The experts are of the opinion that it’s not appropriate for us to devote finite resources to the universal mass-testing. The SAR government will continue to monitor the situation. When the conditions are right, we will consider whether we will be implementing compulsory universal testing.”
These changes are followed by an interim review of the city’s COVID-19 measures. Explaining the situation in detail, Lam said that they have to listen carefully to the experts, both locally and from the mainland for a long-run public health strategy.
As of now, Hong Kong will maintain social distancing measures and if there’s no surge in COVID-19 infection, the measure will be lifted in stages from April 21. The government will also lift the ban on dining in after 6 PM along with reopening of gymnasiums and massage parlours.
Till Sunday, Hong Kong had registered nearly 14145 COVID-19 cases, the lowest in three weeks. During the peak, the city was recording more than 50000 daily virus cases.
