Hong Kong flags COVID-19 quarantine policy change, wants an orderly opening-up

Business groups, diplomats and many residents have got slammed this guideline and the city’s various other COVID-19 restrictions, saying they threaten Hong Kong’s standing as being a global financial centre.

The rules have fuelled an exodus of each expats and local families that was kickstarted by Beijing’s initiatives to exert control of the former British nest and limit freedoms. About 113, 500 people have left since mid 2021, according to government figures.

They have also pressured airlines to drop lots of flight routes to and from Hong Kong which utilized to boast one of the world’s busiest airports, while scores of events are actually cancelled or postponed.

In contrast, competitor financial hub Singapore is hosting a slew of high-profile conferences this month that has seen business growth for hotels and restaurants.

Included in its efforts to obtain business back to a far more normal footing, Hk is planning to web host a major finance conference and the international Rugby Sevens within November. Bankers possess said quarantine-free take a trip is a precondition to get attending the meeting.

It is ambiguous whether other COVID-19 restrictions will also be calm. Hong Kong still bans public groups of a lot more than four people plus masks are mandatory, even for kids as young as two.