Regarding the announcement made by the Guangdong (GD) Provincial Government today (August 5) on the adjustment of the COVID-19 nucleic acid test requirement for persons entering Guangdong from Hong Kong which will come into effect on the day after tomorrow (August 7), the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) urged members of the public to ensure that they can meet the requirement when travelling to Guangdong to avoid hiccups when crossing the border.
The updated requirement on the COVID-19 nucleic acid test set by the GD Provincial Government stated that, starting from 10am on August 7, save for persons who received prior approval by GD for performing essential official and business duties and cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who would continue be subjected to the prevailing policies applicable to them, all other persons who are entering GD via the Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge control points would be required to present a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued by one of the testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government. The negative test result would be valid within 24 hours from issue time of the report. The designated testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government has been posted on the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories.pdf)
The Government spokesman said, "Before departure to GD, members of the public must bring along the hard copy of a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result that can meet the requirement of GD Provincial Government, and allow sufficient time for immigration clearance, or otherwise they will be refused entry into GD. When they re-enter Hong Kong after being refused of entry in the Mainland, they will be subjected to compulsory quarantine of 14 days pursuant to the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C). Members of the public should pay extra attention to avoid such a situation."
The Government called on members of the public again that in view of the severe local epidemic situation, they should avoid going out, keep social distance and avoid dining out. People should maintain stringent hand hygiene and put on a surgical mask when they need to go out. They are also urged to seek medical attention early even if mild symptoms develop to help prevent the spread of the disease in the community.
The spokesman also reminded members of the public that under the amended Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is boarding or onboard a public transport carrier, is entering or present in an MTR paid area, or is entering or present in indoor public places, as well as public transport termini and interchanges. Otherwise they will have contravened the relevant regulation and be subject to a maximum fine at level 2 ($5,000).
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