Covid tally drops to just over 6k; calls grow for ending quarantine

by The SUN

The clamor is for the scrapping not just the quarantine, but also the pre-flight Covid tests

Health officials reported 6,260 new Covid infections Monday, which marked the fourth straight day of decline in the daily caseload, and doused fears of a rebound after the Mid-Autum Festival holidays. 

The figure included 174 imported cases.

There were also 10 deaths, involving patients aged between 55 and 93, of whom seven did not receive the recommended three doses of a vaccine. Officials say the youngest deceased patient, a 55-year-old man, was unvaccinated.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Hospital Authority’s Dr Gladys Kwan said 2,647 Covid patients are now receiving treatment in public hospitals, including 56 who are in critical condition and 59 in severe condition.

She said that as the cases drop, the HA has begun resuming more non-emergency services.

Meanwhile, there have been further reports that a much-awaited scrapping of the three-day hotel quarantine for inbound travelers may happen as early as this week, or at the latest, within the month.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Officials are said to be just fine-tuning the mechanics before making an announcement.

But one alternative that is being considered is to require all who arrive – and test negative for Covid-19 at the airport – is to do conduct self-monitoring for seven days.

This could mean an end not just to forced isolation, but also to the health code system, which forbids those undergoing medical surveillance on the fourth to seventh day of their arrival, from entering restaurants and other places deemed high risk for infections.

Press for details

Another rule that could be relaxed is the pre-flight PCR test, which experts say has been causing a lot of inconvenience to travelers because it is no longer required in most countries. Reports say that in place of this, new arrivals may just be asked to do rapid antigen tests before boarding.

Setting the implementation date for the said moves could prove to be a bit of a problem, as it would involve major adjustments for the airline and hotel industries.

But Hong Kong is under pressure to make a decision ahead of major international events due to be held here soon, including the Rugby Sevens and a bankers convention, both set for November.

Other key events, such as the Hong Kong Marathon which was originally set to be held also next month, has been cancelled, while the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing has been moved to Thailand where no quarantine is required for new arrivals.

BASAHIN ANG DETALYE

Chief Executive John Lee has been under increasing pressure to reopen Hong Kong to the world since taking over in July this year. His government has responded by cutting the hotel quarantine from seven to three days a month after.

Recently, the government also said from November, all new arrivals who test positive for the coronavirus while undergoing hotel quarantine will no longer be moved to the dreaded Penny’s Bay or any other government facility.

But such a cautious easing of the restrictions has failed to impress many people, especially those in the business sector, who worry about Hong Kong losing its edge as  rival hubs like Singapore, New York and London have all fully opened up.

Unless Hong Kong reopens soon, it will have a difficult time regaining its footing, the critics say.

PADALA NA!

Call us!