A child wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) has his swab sample taken for nucleic acid test at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Hong Kong, China, March 22, 2022. REUTERS FILE PHOTO
HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government said on Thursday that the isolation period for COVID-19 patients and their close contacts will be cut to five days from seven days.
The requirement for arrivals to Hong Kong to undergo daily rapid antigen tests would also be reduced from seven to five days.
However, the current social distancing measures, including mandatory masks and the use of a contact tracing app in public buildings, bars and restaurants, will remain until Dec. 28.
Hong Kong’s moves come after Chinese authorities on Wednesday announced the most sweeping changes to the nation’s stringent COVID control measures since the pandemic began three years ago.
RELATED STORIES
Hong Kong eases COVID-19 quarantine rules for incoming travelers
Hong Kong prepares for travel surge after COVID-19 curbs ease; 4,034 new cases reported