There is some great news for Hongkongers wishing to reunite with families on the mainland. Three more border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China including the Lo Wu checkpoint, will reopen. Authorities are also expected to drop the quota system and COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers.
Hong Kong reopened two immigration checkpoints (Lok Ma Chau spur line and Man Kam To border control point) in the first stage of gradual border relaxation. The only ways into the mainland were via Shenzhen Bay Port, the airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The government had liaised with Guangdong and Shenzhen officials to reopen the four borders in a gradual and orderly manner.
China quarantine: Government relaxed travel rules before Lunar New Year break
Children under three years old must provide a negative PCR test result while entering mainland China. Community testing centres in the city now offer self-paid testing services for children. However, there is no requirement for kids under three to visit Hong Kong, including those from mainland China.
The large-scale pilot programme was enough to meet the demands of Hongkongers looking to cross the border during the festive season.
China may drop quarantine for Hong Kong residents traveling into the mainland next month, according to local media reports https://t.co/t0q5AJgQBl
— Bloomberg (@business) December 12, 2022
The full reopening of border may take time
Visitors can expect a full reopening in the later stage once the central government is confident mainland hospitals can cope with more cases. Recently, Beijing relaxed pandemic isolation and health code rules for mainlanders. However, Hong Kong authorities are still cautious about any significant easing of restrictions given the daily infection surge.
The mainland had relaxed COVID-19 rules where patients with mild or no symptoms were allowed to isolate at home instead of the government facility.
