Border To Reopen Fully Very Soon: Tam Yiu-chung

Hong Kong's sole delegate to the National People's Congress Standing Committee said on Sunday that the border between Hong Kong and the mainland is set to fully reopen very soon, with the PCR test requirement to be lifted "in a matter of days".

Speaking to reporters after attending an event, Tam Yiu-chung said many coronavirus testing stations on the mainland had stopped operating, so it was difficult for people to get tested there.

"I think it will be very soon to cancel the PCR test. I think there's no need to do that. It is not a big problem. When we look at the figures, the [number of infections] is very low. There might be an announcement after a few days," he said, though he gave no time frame on cancelling the quota system.

Tam also expressed hope that the Lo Wu and Huanggang checkpoints could be reopened soon to provide convenience to many cross-border travellers.

"Lo Wu control point will be reopened very soon. I think it will be very convenient for Hong Kong people to take the train and to cross the border."

At the same event, the Chief Secretary Eric Chan said he had been liaising with mainland authorities over the Lunar New year on the next phase of border reopening.

Chan added that officials are striving to drop the PCR test requirement as soon as possible.