Hong Kong Removes Some COVID-19 Travel Restrictions For Tourists

Hong Kong is removing several COVID-19 restrictions for incoming travelers as mainland China pivots to ease its zero-COVID policy.

Travelers arriving in Hong Kong will no longer be subjected to movement restrictions or be barred from entering some establishments during the first three days of their stay, Nikkei Asia reported.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said all tourists and residents coming from abroad will be allowed to enter the city if they test negative for COVID-19 upon arrival.

Lee said they eased their COVID-19 restrictions based on the latest available data and risk assessment.

"One of the factors considered is that the risk brought by imported cases is lower than the risk of local infection in the community," Lee was quoted as saying by the outlet.

Visitors will no longer receive an "amber code" on the controversial contact tracing app LeaveHomeSafe, which previously prohibited them from entering restaurants and bars during their first three days.

Starting Wednesday, residents and tourists will no longer be required to use the app to enter eateries, gyms and other establishments.

But bars and restaurants in Hong Kong will still require their patrons to show a vaccine pass. Wearing a mask is also still required in all public venues, including outdoors, CNN reported.

Hong Kong's business community welcomed the relaxing of COVID-19 measures as they see the decision as a bid to reconnect with the world.

"This long-awaited news is another clear signal that we are moving in the right direction and that Hong Kong is getting ready to welcome the world," said Inaki Amate, the president of Hong Kong's European Union Chamber of Commerce, according to Nikkei.

Lisa Yu, a consultant in Hong Kong, told Nikkei Asia that she welcomed changes in the contact tracing app.

Yu said the LeaveHomeSafe app is "not necessary" as the coronavirus spreads quickly.

Following the announcement of the lifting of virus restrictions, the shares of Hong Kong's flagship airline Cathay Pacific and jewelry maker TSL ended nearly 3.2% and 1.7% higher, respectively.

But the strict measures left Hong Kong one of the few economies in the region to end the year in recession, according to Al Jazeera. Last month, the city government downgraded its gross domestic product forecast for 2022 to a 3.2% contraction.

Hong Kong followed mainland China's lifting of some strict zero-COVID measures after the country was rocked by nationwide protests in November.

China no longer requires residents who are positive for COVID-19 to isolate in state facilities.

Chinese people are no longer required to present coronavirus tests for most establishments and can now travel more freely.

China's National Health Commission also announced it is changing its lockdown rules, making them more targeted to buildings, units or floors compared to shutting down an entire community or city.