After reviewing scientific data and transmission risks, and considering Hong Kong's position as an international financial and commercial center, the need to connect globally for business and economic activity has led the government to propose a cut to the period of time spent in compulsory quarantine in designated quarantine hotels (DQH). Travelers from overseas and from Taiwan will be subject to the new shortened "3+4" model of quarantine, where they will be subject to compulsory quarantine in DQHs for three days, followed by medical surveillance at home (including other hotel stays for those visiting) for four days, with multiple tests during the medical surveillance and the monitoring period thereafter. This new model significantly cuts the time spent in compulsory quarantine from seven days (and in some cases the full 14 days), making travel to Hong Kong for business visitors and employees a much more attractive proposition.
The measures appear to give recognition to the fact that Hong Kong is still a dynamic center of commerce and it is responding to the need for companies to reinstate operations in the region. We may expect to see further reductions to quarantine measures towards the beginning of 2023.
Travelers will be subject to amber code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass during the medical surveillance period and they are not permitted to enter high-risk premises involving mask-off group activities. The LeaveHomeSafe app, which is already widely in use, will introduce color codes for monitoring relative COVID-19 risks. The amber code given after the three days of quarantine in a DQH will enable travelers to move freely to attend the office and other low-risk buildings.
Travelers from Guandong Province, Taiwan and Macau who qualify under the Return2HK and the Come2HK schemes may continue to benefit from the quota exemption from compulsory quarantine offered by the schemes.
The adjusted quarantine and testing arrangements are detailed as follows:
(1) Adjusting compulsory quarantine and medical surveillance to the "3+4" model
The quarantine arrangements for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan will be adjusted:
- Aligning quarantine arrangement: the day of arrival with the first nucleic acid test conducted is considered as day 0. Inbound persons are subject to the same quarantine arrangement regardless of vaccination status (Note 1).
- Three days of compulsory quarantine: inbound persons are required to undergo compulsory quarantine for three nights in DQHs. Those who consecutively test negative can complete compulsory quarantine on the morning of day three.
- Four days of medical surveillance: inbound persons are then subject to medical surveillance at home or in other self-arranged accommodation for four nights. Those who consecutively test negative can complete medical surveillance on the morning of day seven.
- Continuous monitoring and testing: inbound persons are subject to self-monitoring in the subsequent three days and daily rapid antigen tests (RATs) until day 10, and they are required to undergo the last nucleic acid test on day nine.
Note 1: For example, if an inbound person arrives at Hong Kong on August 12, the day of arrival is day 0. They will complete quarantine in DQH in the morning of day three (August 15), and complete medical surveillance in the morning of day seven (August 19).
For tailored advice on specific cases, please contact Rowan.mckenzie@bakermckenzie.com.
