Arrivals From Mainland China, Macau No Longer Need to Test-and-Hold

The Government has announced new arrangements for inbound arrivals from Mainland China and Macao, effective Sept. 3 onwards. Inbound travellers from the above locations arriving in Hong Kong through airport will no longer need to perform a "test-and-hold” procedure but will instead need to take compulsory nucleic acid testing upon the second day after their arrival.

This comes as an adjustment from the existing guideline that requires incomers to perform compulsory nucleic acid tests on the fourth and sixth days following their arrival to Hong Kong. Travellers entering the city from other nations will still be required to undertake compulsory testing on their second day in Hong Kong and proceed with the “3+4” hybrid quarantine measures currently in place.

People who have recently entered the city need not perform a second required nucleic acid test if they have already taken one before Sept. 3. The new plan to reduce to only Day 2 testing applies to people who enter Hong Kong via the Return2hk or Come2hk schemes.

The news is a gradual step towards a slow reopening of Hong Kong, as Chief Executive John Lee expresses inclinations towards scrapping hotel quarantine entirely in November for all who enter into Hong Kong.