The SUN HK : Only 2 PCR tests now required for new arrivals from abroad

All new arrivals will have to do PCR tests only on arrival and the next day, starting on Monday

Starting Nov 21, all inbound travelers will only be required to undergo two nucleic acid (PCR) tests – on arrival in Hong Kong and on day 2 – or the day after.

This was announced through a press release issued late tonight, Nov 17.

This means, the current requirement of doing two more PCR tests, on days 4 and 6, will already be scrapped.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

However, all incoming travelers will still have to undergo daily rapid antigen tests for seven days after arrival.

According to the government statement, there has been an increase in the number of imported cases since the hotel quarantine for all inbound travelers was lifted. However, the ratio of confirmed cases in relation to the overall number of imported cases has “stabilized.”

During the six-week period from Sept 26 to Nov 6, the ratio was 4.5% of all inbound travelers, and a vast majority of those who tested positive was detected either at the airport or the day after their arrival.

Those who tested positive on Days 4 and 6 accounted for only 0.4 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively. This means, only 4 cases and 1 case were respectively detected per 1,000 inbound travelers.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

According to the government, these cases that were detected on Days 4 and 6 are likely from local infection rather than importation, given the short incubation period of the Omicron variants, and taking into consideration that inbound persons are allowed to move about in the community after arrival.

“These cases accounted for a relatively smaller proportion of the confirmed cases among relevant inbound persons, and were also at a relatively low level when compared to the local caseload. On the premise of proper risk management with precise measures while striking a balance between the needs of medical surveillance and reducing the impact on inbound persons, the Government considered that the nucleic acid testing requirements for relevant inbound persons can be adjusted,” said the statement.

Press for details

The adjusted testing arrangements for inbound persons (aged three years old or above on the date of arrival at Hong Kong) arriving at Hong Kong from overseas places or Taiwan are detailed below:

· Within 24 hours prior to boarding: RAT

· Day 0 (i.e. day of arrival at Hong Kong): Nucleic acid test under “test-and-go” upon arrival at the airport

· Day 2: Nucleic acid test at a community testing centre/community testing station or an ac-hoc mobile specimen collection station, or arrange a self-paid test by professional swab sampling at a local medical testing institution recognised by the Government; and

· Day 1 to Day 7: Daily RATs. Can only leave the place of stay upon obtaining a negative result.

BASAHIN ANG DETALYE

Inbound travelers who test positive will be treated the same way as local cases, meaning, they can self-isolate for seven days, and if they test negative on antigen tests on Days 6 and 7 they can be allowed to leave their place of isolation.

Meantime, the Vaccine Pass of all infected persons will be switched to a Red Code. At the same time they will be required to provide information to the Centre for Health Protection through the online platforms (for nucleic acid tests or RATs). For further details, please refer to the webpage on Points to Note for Persons who Tested Positive.