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Forum urges review of inbound quarantine arrangements

The government announced the latest discharge criteria for persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) and home quarantine for close contacts yesterday (26 February).


Infected people sent to community isolation facilities (CIF), people awaiting admission to CIF or hospitals, and close contacts under home quarantine under the "StayHomeSafe" scheme who have received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccines can now conduct rapid antigen tests (RAT) on Day 6 and Day 7 of the home quarantine period under the new arrangement. They may leave the CIF or home early on Day 7 for their daily activities if they acquire negative test results via RATs on these two consecutive days. The government emphasised that the new arrangement is being evaluated on a risk-based basis and in light of COVID-19's current status.


Overseas travellers must present negative proof of a polymerase chain reaction-based COVID-19 negative test within 48 hours of entering Hong Kong under the existing incoming quarantine arrangement. With over 20,000 confirmed cases today (27 February), the risk of inbound travellers being exposed to the virus is logically comparable to, if not lower than, that of residents. Local experts have shared similar comments. As a result, the forum requests that the government reconsider quarantine requirements and consider the following suggestions:

  1. Allowing home quarantine for inbound travellers who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine;

  2. Lifting flight bans;

  3. Shortening quarantine for inbound travellers from 14 days to 7 days for those who have received 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

The proposal is compliant with the dynamic "zero infection" policy and potentially help the aviation sector and Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub.


ENDS


Sunday, 27 February 2022

Issued at HKT 17:50

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