Border PCR tests dropped for HK travelers to China, Macau

Hongkongers traveling to the mainland and Macau can save at least two hours as they no longer need to undergo and wait for Covid-19 PCR tests at border checkpoints or the airport from today.

The Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-mau, said yesterday travelers will only need to present a negative PCR test result made within 48 hours to cross the border.

Starting in March this year, Hong Kong had required travelers to China and Macau to get tested on-site at border checkpoints and Chek Lap Kok airport and wait for their results before being allowed to cross the border.

"We understand such an arrangement was inconvenient for citizens wishing to return to the mainland and Macau," Lo said.

As the mainland has recently eased its Covid restrictions, the on-site PCR testing requirement will be canceled.

Chief Executive John Lee said SAR authorities will work on resuming quarantine-free travel with the mainland as the mainland has been rapidly unwinding its anti-Covid measures.

Lee said his government would like to increase the cross-border quota first and will announce updated measures when available.

"We have to push the border reopening based on the actual situation as we all know the mainland is facing a surge in infections," he said.

This came as media reported that Hong Kong could resume quarantine-free travel with the mainland as early as January 9 but will still have to undergo three days of medical surveillance.

Sources said Guangdong health authorities already have a timetable for border reopening, and cross-border travel could resume early next month at the earliest.

Photos circulating online showed the lights of Futian Port were turned on, triggering speculation that the border will be reopened soon.

Lawmaker Ben Chan Han-pan from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong said quarantine-free travel may resume for people with business and official duties or urgent needs this month.

But Lo yesterday appealed to citizens not to act on such speculation because they were not supported by any evidence and could affect the authorities' arrangements.

He said the SAR government maintains close communication with the mainland and the SAR is looking forward to the mainland's new policies.

Hong Kong yesterday recorded 13,721 Covid cases, including 12,930 local and 791 imported.

It recorded 37 deaths: 22 men and 15 women aged 50 to 98.

Health authorities received 3,086 positive reports from 968 schools, and 35 classes from 31 schools were suspended for a week.

A total of 27 elderly care homes and eight disabled homes reported the infection of 53 residents and 13 employees.

Macau yesterday recorded 382 new infections, including 369 local cases detected in the community.

Eight PCR testing centers ceased operation yesterday and will be turned into community clinics for Covid patients.

The Macau authorities have required pharmacies to restrict people from buying no more than five sets of rapid test kits and one box of anodyne or antipyretic.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com