Lee in race to ease travel curbs

The Health Bureau and the Hospital Authority are still reviewing data in pursuance of a final decision on how to truncate the seven-day hotel quarantine for new arrivals, said John Lee Ka-chiu.

In an interview with a Chinese-language daily, the chief executive vowed to make it happen as soon as possible, saying easing curbs on arrivals from the mainland and the rest of the world are not mutually exclusive and both should be "pursued in full force."

On quarantine-free travel with the mainland, he said the SAR cannot focus on only its own interests: "We have to convince the mainland and get them to think: 'you won't betray my interests.'"

Lee said the SAR first had to strike a balance between epidemic control and economic activity: "We need to revive our social and economic activities as well as our competitive edge, while at the same time minimizing inconvenience for inbound travelers."

How this decision would be made would, he said, depend on a systemic review of health data.

When asked about the impact of quarantine measures on economy, Lee said Hong Kong "should not even consider the worst-case scenario."

Last week, Executive Council member and former health chief Ko Wing-man said yellow vaccine pass codes should be issued to close contacts and people subject to compulsory testing to stop them entering high-risk venues like restaurants and bars.

The code is expected to come into play at the same time as a shortening of quarantine durations - with present seven-day hotel stays being cut to either five days with two days at home or to four days with three days at home.

Lee also refused to characterize the ongoing exodus of Hongkongers as an "emigration wave," saying he remains hopeful they will return.

"Some have left for education, personal development or family reasons, but we want to attract students and business people to return," he said.

The next monthly "antechamber chat" to foster relations between government officials and lawmakers will be held on August 17 from 10 to 11.30am. It will be led by chief secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki.