Hong Kong, goodbye to mandatory quarantine: Covid rules still active
Anti Covid rules are changing in many countries around the world. Doors open to tourists in Hong [...]

Anti Covid rules are changing in many countries around the world. Doors open to tourists in Hong Kong, for example, aiming for a return of tourism to past levels. What does this openness to travelers translate into? Cancelled the mandatory quarantine for anyone setting foot in the country. As of September 26, one will no longer find oneself having to stay in a hotel after arriving at the airport. This is a constant update for this much-hated rule, which in the past has imposed far longer periods of isolation, up to a maximum of 21 days.
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A time frame of this magnitude effectively wiped out or nearly wiped out tourist admissions, considering the expense required to afford a vacation of which about a month would be spent in quarantine. Costs aside, who would want to undergo this unless compelled by the need to return home?
The number of days dropped over time to a maximum of three days before total cancellation. Talking about open doors is fair but may be a bit misleading. Indeed, there remain some restrictions.
Travel to Hong Kong: Covid rules
One still cannot enter Hong Kong as in the pre-pandemic times. In fact, visitors are required to be fully vaccinated. One must have completed the vaccination cycle For at least 14 days. It should be specified, however, how things will change in this respect after two months. In fact, the three doses will suffice for the time being, but they will not guarantee access to Hong Kong from November 30, 2022. In fact, this date has been set for the beginning of the mandatory dose booster, the fourth therefore, to be able to enter regularly.
Before the trip you should also plan a rapid PCR test, so as to certify one's negativity to Covid-19. One should also inquire about on-site laboratories in Hong Kong, considering how three rapid tests should be performed during the stay. The regulations call for one on the second, fourth and sixth day. In case of positivity, quarantine will be triggered.
Hong Kong: problems for tourists
Canceling mandatory quarantine is certainly a huge step forward for the tourism industry. A positive attitude in this regard had already been registered through the return of the direct flights with Cathay Pacific. After suffering the nearly two years of border closure, it resumes connection with Italy not only.
However, Hong Kong still needs to go a long way to succeed in attracting an influx of casual travelers. In fact, a total of four quick buffers are required. One before leaving and three on the spot. Adding to the cost, which is not excessive, is the enormous hassle. It is not exactly the favorite activity of those who want to enjoy a peaceful vacation.
As if all this were not enough, for the first three days there is a medical surveillance. This translates into the inability to set foot in bars, restaurants, gyms and beyond. While we have become accustomed to swabs, which may still be accepted by some tourists, this disguised pseudo-quarantine may prove to be the real weak link in the current system.