Arrivals Must Now Get Post-quarantine Covid Test

The government said on Friday that it is now requiring people flying into the territory from overseas to take a third coronavirus test 19 or 20 days after they enter Hong Kong – which will be several days after the end of their time in quarantine.

Travellers coming from anywhere outside of China already have to be tested upon arrival, and again 12 days later.

From now on, they will also be required to go to a community testing centre for another test, five or six days after they end their fortnight in quarantine.

Officials explained that the extra mandatory test is to ensure that health authorities can identify any patients who may have incubation periods longer than the usual two weeks.

The new rule applies to adults and children aged six or above arriving in the SAR since December 2.

The government has been stepping up measures targeting returnees from overseas since a fourth wave of infections hit the territory.

It earlier announced that inbound travellers arriving from December 22 will have to stay at one of 36 hotels designated for quarantine use.