Government tightens boarding and quarantine requirements for places with Omicron cases detected

     The Government announced today (December 29) that in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Kazakhstan and Myanmar will be specified as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 1, 2022 to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers. In view of the earlier detection of imported Omicron cases in Hong Kong from Kazakhstan, the Government will implement the most stringent quarantine and testing requirements for inbound travellers from that place.
 
     To manage and prevent the importation risks posed by Omicron cases, the Government will continue to employ the most stringent measures to guard against importation of cases. Overseas places where Omicron cases have been detected that may lead to local transmission and exportation of cases will be specified as Group A specified places. The Government will also closely monitor whether there are prevalent transmission of Omicron cases in overseas places, including imposing the more stringent enhanced surveillance measures on places (Group A places with enhanced surveillance) from which imported Omicron cases have been detected in Hong Kong.
 
     In view of the earlier detection of five imported Omicron cases in Hong Kong from Kazakhstan, the Government will impose the quarantine and testing arrangements applicable to Group A places with enhanced surveillance on the relevant inbound travellers from Kazakhstan who arrive at Hong Kong on or after 0.00 am on January 1, 2022. Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A places with enhanced surveillance within 21 days are required to undergo compulsory quarantine at Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre for the first four days upon their arrival at Hong Kong, during which they have to undergo daily tests and their health conditions will be monitored by healthcare professionals. On the fifth day of arrival at Hong Kong, they will be transferred by designated transport to finish the remaining 17 days of compulsory quarantine at the designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) which they have reserved before coming to Hong Kong.  They also have to undergo a compulsory test at a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival at Hong Kong,
 
     Meanwhile, noting the detection of Omicron cases in Myanmar, the Government will specify them as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 1, 2022. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record. They will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a DQH for 21 days upon returning to Hong Kong, with six tests to be conducted during quarantine, followed by compulsory testing in a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival in Hong Kong.
 
     Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html.
 
     The Government will gazette the relevant updated specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to effect the above measures.