All overseas travelers, except mainland China, will have to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days upon arriving in Hong Kong, the government announced as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
The new changes will go into effect Nov. 3 and remain until further notice, government officials said in its coronavirus tab on its website.
The government said anyone who has stayed in high-risk countries Bangladesh, Ethiopia, France, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America must provide the following documents upon arrival:
- A negative COVID-19 test result, in English or Chinese, was issued by a laboratory or healthcare institution 72 hours before landing in Hong Kong. Lab results must bear the traveler's identical name listed on their valid travel documents.
- Suppose the report isn't in English or Chinese. In that case, passengers must show a written confirmation in English or Chinese issued by the laboratory or healthcare institution with the same name as on travel documents. Must also present negative COVID-19 test results.
- Must prove in English or Chinese that laboratory or healthcare institution is ISO 15189 accredited
- Must show you have reserved a hotel room in Hong Kong for no less than 14 days beginning the first day of arrival in Hong Kong.
Failure to comply with said new guidelines will result in a $10,000 fine or six months imprisonment, the government said.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection reported nine new COVID-19 cases, bringing its total to 5,345.