Quarantine Exemption Rules Updated

The Government today said it has included an antibody test in the quarantine exemption arrangements for qualified people in financial services sectors and of listed companies as an additional requirement.

It announced on June 21 that the adjusted quarantine arrangements for inbound travellers was being followed up after the two scientific committees under the Centre for Health Protection and the Chief Executive's expert advisory panel advised on June 9 the inclusion of a serology test.

The duration of compulsory quarantine for inbound travellers who have stayed at medium to high-risk places will be shortened if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test positive in a serology test.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui told lawmakers at the Legislative Council today that the serology test has also been included in the quarantine exemption arrangements for qualified people in financial services sectors and of listed companies.

Under the updated arrangements, the compulsory quarantine period for exempted people who are fully vaccinated and with a positive antibody test result is shortened to seven days.

Mr Hui also emphasised that the exemption arrangements are made under the principle of risk-based, strict control and careful monitoring, especially in that only financial institutions or listed companies under direct regulation of financial regulators and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) may submit applications, and that financial regulators and the SEHK will monitor an exempted person's compliance.

The Government will draw on its experience in considering whether other relevant arrangements should be put in place in future, he added.