By
The SUN
 |
| CE Lee says the decision to scrap the yellow code is based on science |
Chief Executive John Lee has announced the
scrapping of the amber health code from Wednesday, which has long been the
reason many tourists still stay away from Hong Kong as it limits their movements
during the first three days of their arrival.
Speaking before the Executive Council meeting
earlier today, the CE said people who visit restaurants and other places deemed
high risk would not be asked to scan QR codes with their “Leave Home Safe” app
anymore, but they will still have to present their vaccination records.
“The decisions were based on data and risks.
The infection risk from imported cases is lower than the risk from local
infections. We believe that the lifting [of the measures] will not increase the
risk of local outbreaks,” Lee said.
However, those who test positive on arrival
will still get a red code and will still need to isolate based on existing
protocols. But with the relaxed measures introduced only last week, those who
get two negative results on rapid antigen tests can end their isolation on the
fifth day, instead of the previous seventh day.
The so-called “0+3” health protocol that Hong
Kong had imposed previously allowed new arrivals to leave the airport immediately
after taking their PCR arrival test, but will still have to undergo medical
surveillance for three days, meaning they could not enter restaurants,
hospitals and other places deemed high risk.
The relaxed measures came as health
authorities reported 14,717 cases on Monday, of which 5 per cent, or 704 cases,
were imported.
In the mainland, authorities have also just allowed
Covid-19 patients with mild or no symptoms to isolate for five days instead of
a week at a quarantine facility. Their close contacts can also quarantine at
home for five days instead of eight.
Mainland residents are also no longer required
to present a green health code to indicate they are negative for Covid-19 when
entering public places, except hospitals, schools and care homes for the
elderly.
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