24th September 2022 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong government announced a number of epidemic relaxation measures, including canceling hotel quarantine for arrivals from 6am on 26th September and changing to “0+3” home quarantine arrangement, and allowing Hong Kong residents who have not been vaccinated to return to Hong Kong.
Dr. Ivan Hung, a member of the Vaccine Advisory Expert Committee and a government expert advisor expressed his support on radio this morning for the change to “0+3” arrangement for overseas arrivals. He said that if the total COVID-19 case ratio remains at 5%, the Amber code arrangement should be cancelled conditionally. It is expected that the transition to the “0+0” arrangement will be possible in a few weeks. At that time, people arriving in Hong Kong will be issued amber code for a short period of time while they are waiting for the test results. If they are confirmed to be free from the virus, they can return to the community and enter restaurants and other premises. However, on the 5th or 6th day of arrival, they need to take the nucleic acid test again.
Dr.Hung also mentioned that 60% to 70% adults in the Hong Kong community have been infected with COVID-19 and hence a high herd immunity barrier has been built. At present, the number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong in a single day has remained at around 5,000, which has dropped rapidly from the peak of 12,000 two weeks ago. The society has built sufficient herd immunity and the public need not worry too much. Supported by scientific data, relevant anti-epidemic measures can help the recovery of socio-economic activities. He also believes that it is sufficient for travellers to take a rapid antigen test 24 hours before arriving in Hong Kong. The air exchange rate on the plane is 12 to 15 times per hour, which is equivalent to a negative pressure ward, and is more stringent than a restaurant, and believes that the risk of transmission is not large.