Hong Kong in talks with mainland China and Macau to mutually recognise quarantine served by cross-border travellers
- City’s health minister says this is to avoid doubling the 14-day isolation period of arrivals if they have valid proof of having served a similar stint in their previous location
- Discussions come amid a local slowdown in Covid-19 transmission
Hong Kong is in talks with mainland Chinese and Macau authorities to mutually recognise the health status of cross-border travellers to avoid doubling their Covid-19 quarantine periods.
The move came as the city considered relaxing border restrictions and social-distancing measures amid a slower spread of the coronavirus.
Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said on Saturday that authorities were in discussion with Guangdong province and Macau to craft a joint mechanism which could shorten the quarantine time for regional travellers.
“If an agreement is reached, for instance, someone has already completed a 14-day quarantine on the mainland and is coming to Hong Kong with valid proof of this, then the director of health could shorten the quarantine period here for this person [if test results] are negative,” Chan told a radio programme.
“So, will the mainland also recognise the 14-day quarantine [that a traveller has] served in Hong Kong? Will there be tests provided for these people? It is still under discussion.”