HK needs to stay 28 days Covid free for cross-border travel to resume, says Macau

Macau’s health officials said on Monday afternoon that Hong Kong would need to go 28 consecutive days without a local Covid case before cross-border quarantine-free travel could be contemplated.

The two sides had previously mentioned 14 consecutive days of no Hong Kong infection as the starting point for talks on easing travel arrangements.

Any relaxation in travel rules would only apply to those that are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Travelers could be asked not only to take a virus test ahead of the trip – as at present – but also one after they arrive at their destination, according to the Macau government.

There would be a “circuit breaker” mechanism in case of fresh cases in either city.

Macau authorities also added that the easing will likely involve a quota system initially to limit the flow of people between the cities, with citizens’ safety as the primary concern.

Currently, Hong Kong residents arriving in Macau, are required to present a test report – issued within 24 hours – proving they are ‘negative’ for Covid-19 infection. Such inbound travelers are also currently required to do a 14-day quarantine on arrival to Macau.