EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

HK to reduce quarantine for inbound travellers, Macau with no intentions to follow suit

Despite moves by Hong Kong authorities to reduce the 21-day quarantine period for inbound travellers, Macau health authorities expressed today (Thursday) they do not plan to follow suit with a similar reduction.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced today that starting from February 5 the 21-day quarantine period demanded for inbound travellers will be reduced to 14-days in a designated hotel and 7 days of health self-management, in order to reflect the shorter incubation period of the Omicron variant.

However, when inquired today if local health authorities would proceed with a similar decision, Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre Coordinator Dr. Leong Iek Hou was adamant a similar move will not come soon.

“There are many data reflecting that the incubation period of the Omicron variant is between three to five days, but we have found out cases, either in mainland China and overseas, with a longer incubation period. A close contact case in Zhongshan had several negative results until the 10th day when it tested positive,” Dr. Leong said in today’s pandemic prevention press conference.

“Also the Delta variant still exists and we can’t guess what variant someone entering will have , therefore we need further research and analysis. Whenever we decided to reduce the quarantine period we will announce it but at the moment we are not.”

Vaccinated or not all arrivals to Macau from other foreign countries are required to present proof of a ‘negative’ Covid-19 test result issued within 48 hours, and undergo a 21-day quarantine on arrival. Non-residents are not allowed entry unless they have remained for at least 21 days in mainland China or Hong Kong.

Those aged 12 or over, must present either a certificate proving that they have completed “the initial full course of Covid-19 vaccination” at least 14 days prior to travel, with the last jab taken within seven months of travel, or a certificate proving they are unfit for such vaccination.

Travellers coming from 22 high-risk countries, will be subject to a 28-day quarantine on arrival.

The measures cover people arriving via either the Philippines, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Brazil, Turkey, Russia and the United States.