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Hong Kong’s Covid-19 Response
Overview
The HKSAR Government has implemented a comprehensive and coordinated approach to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the community, with actions that are guided by three key principles:
- responding promptly
- staying alert to the situation, and
- working in an open and transparent manner.
The Government advises it will continue to listen to the views of the experts and various sectors and constantly adjust the “Supress and Lift” strategy according the actual situation, while considering the impact of the measures on the economy, livelihood and the daily lives of people.
The following table provides links to the latest information. Below the table is a summary of Hong Kong’s response since the identification of COVID-19 within the Hong Kong community.
Initial emergency arrangements
4 January 2020: The Government activated the “Serious Response Level” for the “Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance” (Preparedness and Response Plan).
6 January 2020: A Steering Committee was formed under the Preparedness and Response Plan.
8 January 2020: COVID-19 was included in the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance.
23 January 2020: The first quarantine centre was activated, immediately after the first two confirmed cases of infection in Hong Kong were identified.
25 January 2020: The Government activated the “Emergency Response Level”of the Preparedness and Response Plan. The Chief Executive Carrie Lam chairs the Steering Committee-Command Centre to oversee concerted efforts to fight the disease. First meeting held on 26 January 2020.
The Chief Executive has set up an expert advisory panel,comprising four world-renowned experts, to advise the Government in a direct and timely manner.
The Government set up a HK$30 billion (US$3.9 billion) anti-epidemic fund on 20 February 2020 and announced another round of HK$137.5 billion (US$17.6 billion) measures on 8 April 2020 to provide resources needed to fight the virus and ease the burden on people and businesses.
Reducing the flow of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland
On 24 January 2020, flights and high speed rail services between Hong Kong and Wuhan were suspended.
On 25 January 2020, the Government announced expanding the arrangements of health declaration by in-coming travellers from the Mainlandto all boundary control points.
From 27 January 2020, Hubei residents and those who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days (except Hong Kong residents) are barred from entering Hong Kong.
Since 28 January 2020, the Mainland authorities have suspended the application, approval and issuance of the group visit endorsements and the endorsements under the Individual Visit Scheme for Mainland residents visiting Hong Kong.
From 30 January 2020, flights between Hong Kong and other Mainland cities have been reduced by about half in stages.All rail services of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Intercity Through Train were suspended.
From 1 February 2020, Hong Kong International Airport implemented body temperature checks for departing passengers (inline with WHO advice) in addition to temperature checks for all incoming passengers. Those with fever are prevented from boarding until cleared.
From 4 February 2020, the Government closed all but two land boundary control points (Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)) with the Mainland to stem the flow of cross-boundary travel. All ferry services to and from the Mainland and Macao were suspended. Entry points at Shenzhen Bay, HZMB as well as Hong Kong International Airport remain open with customs and health monitoring resources concentrated at these entry points.
On 5 February 2020, immigration services at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Ocean Terminal were suspended.
Since 7 February 2020, the Mainland authorities have suspended the processing of the business visit endorsements for Mainland residents to travel to Hong Kong.
From 3 April 2020, the operating hours of the passenger clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port have been adjusted to run from 10am to 8pm daily. The operating hours for cargo clearance remain unchanged (i.e. from 6:30am to midnight daily).
From 5 April 2020, the operating hours of clearance for cross-boundary coaches and shuttle buses passengers at the HZMB Hong Kong Port have been shortened to run from 10am to 8pm daily,and the operating hours of the clearance for private cars have been shortened to run from 6am to 10pm daily. The operating hours for cargo clearance remain unchanged (i.e. 24 hours daily).
Preventing imported cases
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) strongly urges members of the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
From 8 March 2020, the health declaration arrangements at HKIA were expanded to all flights arriving Hong Kong.
Effective 25 March 2020, all non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas countries and regions by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong until further notice. Non-Hong Kong residents arriving from the Mainland, Macao and Taiwan who have visited any overseas countries and regions in the past 14 days will be denied entry to Hong Kong until further notice. All transit services at HKIA suspended until further notice. All inbound travellers,including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents, are subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine (apart from persons exempted under relevant regulations).
From 8 April 2020,all arrivals at HKIA are required to immediately collect their deep throat saliva sample for taking a COVID-19 test at the nearby Temporary Specimen Collection Centre (TSCC) in Asia World-Expo.
From 9 April 2020, asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving on flights from the United Kingdom are required to await COVID-19 test results before leaving TSCC. All travellers from the United States and Europe and those arriving on other flights landing in mornings are required to wait for the test results, effective from 13 April and 19 April respectively.
From 22 April 2020, all asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving at HKIA are required to wait for test results before leaving. Passengers arriving by flights in mornings will stay at TSCC to wait for test results, while those who need to wait for test results overnight will be temporarily accommodated in the Department of Health Holding Centre for Test Result at the Regal Oriental Hotel. As a result of the above measures, the number of arrivals in Hong Kong via all control points (including airport) has dropped significantly.
Total arrivals on 1 January were 421,844; on 15 January they were 372,755; on 31 January they had dropped to 140,859. By 4 February they had further dropped to 69,812 and on 7 May the number was 1,231.
Quarantine arrangements for people at risk of carrying the infection
People who are close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but are asymptomatic, will be placed under compulsory quarantine at dedicated quarantine centres.
A locally developed smart bracelet connected to the user’s smart-phone will be used in some cases to ensure people comply with quarantine requirements.
Those placed under mandatory quarantine will be subject to regular and surprise checks (phone calls and visits) to ensure they are at the intended place of quarantine.
Contravening the quarantine requirement would be a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The relevant departments will step up inspections and adopt "zero tolerance" towards those contravening the quarantine order. Immediate prosecution will be taken without any warning.
The public can make use of the "e-Report Room" to report suspected cases of breaching quarantine orders.
Currently, there are four operating quarantine centres, namely Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan, the Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village in Chai Wan, the Heritage Lodge at the Jao Tsung-I Academy in Lai Chi Kok and JPC Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp in Pat Heung, Yuen Long, providing about 1,700 units.
Two temporary accommodation facilities offered by the Government, Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre and Lady MacLehose Holiday Village, have also been made available for persons under compulsory quarantine who are unable to arrange accommodation.
Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme
Rapid testing is available in public hospital laboratories to shorten the waiting time for test results.
From 9 March 2020, the CHP extended the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme, which provides a free testing service for COVID-19, to cover all private clinics and hospitals so that cases of COVID-19 can be identified early in order to minimise the risk of community transmission.
A total of 64 General Out-patient Clinics and 17 Accident and Emergency Departments under the Hospital Authority are covered by the Programme.
From 29 March March 2020, the CHP further extended the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme to cover all asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving from all places under the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation.
From 3 April 2020, participants of the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme can make use of a door-to-door specimen collection service from member companies of the Cyberport Startup Alumni Association to submit their deep throat saliva specimens to the Dept of Health for COVID-19 testing.
Effective 8 April 2020, the Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme was further extended to inbound travellers who have been to Hubei Province in the past 14 days arriving via land boundary control points (Shenzhen Bay Port and the HZMB).
From 20 April 2020, all asymptomatic inbound travellers arriving at HKIA are provided with a container for collecting their deep throat saliva sample for another round of virus testing during the compulsory quarantine.
From May 12, public hospitals will conduct COVID-19 testing for inpatients with influenza-like illness symptoms. Admission screening is conducted for a random sample of institutional residents and patients admitted to psychiatric wards.
From May 15, Dept of Health sets up a service point at HKIA to provide containers to airport workers for collecting their deep throat saliva samples for testing of COVID-19.
From May 20, COVID-19 testing will be conducted for selected staff members at residential care homes for the elderly, residential care homes for persons with disabilities and nursing homes
Promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Classes at all Hong Kong schools have been suspended since Chinese New Year holidays (late January 2020).
The Government announced that classes will resume by phases in a gradual and orderly manner from 20 May 2020.
Schools should ensure that adequate preventive measures have been implemented before class resumption.
On 21 March 2020, the Government announced that the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examinations were deferred to 24 April and the speaking examinations of both Chinese and English language subjects were cancelled.
From 23 March 2020, a "work from home" arrangement has been implemented again for Government employees, except for those providing emergency, essential and limited basic public services.As the epidemic situation continued to stabilise, the Government has resumed public services under a phased approach from 4 May 2020.
The Government will continue to cancel or postpone events that attract large crowds.
Until June 4, catering premises are required to implement measures to promote social distancing:
- at least 1.5 metres between tables is maintained or other partition arrangements are made;
- no more than eight people per table;
- a person must wear a mask except when consuming food or drink on the premises;
- body temperature screening of persons entering the premises is conducted and
- hand sanitisers are provided.
Amusement game centres,fitness centres,places of amusement,places of public entertainment such as cinemas,premises commonly known as bars or pubs, mahjong-tin kau premises,beauty parlours and massage establishments have been allowed to resume operation from May 8 subject to conditions to promote social distancing.The measure will be in effect until June 4.
Bathhouses, "party rooms for hire for holding social gatherings,karaoke establishments,and clubs or nightclubs are required to remain closed until May 28. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Group gatherings of more than eight people in public places are prohibited apart from gatherings exempted under relevant regulation. The prohibition will remain in force until June 4. Offenders are liable to a maximum penalty $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Facilitating the return of Hong Kong residents from COVID-19 hotspots
Between 19 and 23 February 2020, for Hong Kong passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, the Government arranged three free chartered flights to bring a total of 193 Hong Kong residents who had tested negative for COVID-19, back to Hong Kong. After their arrival at Hong Kong, they were taken to the quarantine centre in Chun Yeung Estate for quarantine observation for 14 days.
The Government arranged eight chartered flights to take a total of 1,027 Hong Kong residents stranded in Hubei Province back to Hong Kong on 4, 25 and 26 March 2020. After their arrival in Hong Kong, they were required to undergo compulsory quarantine for 14 days.
Peru has declared a state of emergency and imposed strict restrictions on all land and air traffic. A chartered flight was arranged on 3 April 2020 to fly Hong Kong residents from Lima to London, followed by a connecting flight with secured flight bookings back to Hong Kong. The costs were borne by the users. Sixty five Hong Kong residents took the chartered flights and arrived in Hong Kong on 5 April. They were required to undergo 14 days of compulsory quarantine.
Pakistan and India have banned all international flights since late March. A chartered flight from Islamabad was arranged on April 30 for the return of 319 Hong Kong residents stranded in Pakistan. Another chartered flight departed from New Delhi on May 17 brought back 249 Hong Kong residents stranded in India.The costs were borne by the users. The two groups of Hong Kong residents were transferred to Chun Yeung Estate for a 14-day compulsory quarantine after arriving in Hong Kong
Boosting supply of personal protective equipment
To meet high demand, the Government is taking a multi-pronged approach to increase the supply of surgical masks including sourcing globally, increasing local production, and liaison with relevant Mainland authorities to facilitate speedy clearance and delivery to Hong Kong.
Priorities include meeting the needs of healthcare workers and other personnel providing services to the public, as well as stabilising the market supply.
The Government introduced the Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme to help address the shortage of masks as well as to build up stock.
On 24 April 2020, all 20 subsidised production lines under the scheme were approved. When in full production, the production lines will collectively supply 33.85 million masks to the Government and a further 7.15 million to the local market every month.
The Chief Executive announced on 21 March 2020 that two million surgical masks are to be provided monthly to residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities for use by the nursing staff.
The Government announced on 5 May that locally developed reusable masks will be distributed free to all Hong Kong citizens, except babies and infants. Online registration to obtain the reusable masks began on 6 May 2020.
In addition,a pack of 10 free surgical masks is expected to be distributed to every household in Hong Kong from end-June.
Transparent communication with the public
Daily briefings are held to regularly update the media and the public on the latest developments, including the number of cases and new measures related to COVID-19.
Press conferences are held by senior officials to announce major government decisions and anti-epidemic measures etc.
The Government has launched a dedicated website with useful information and updates on latest developments.
Publicity campaigns to disseminate personal hygiene messages through online and offline media are run in a number of ethnic minority languages apart from English and Chinese.
Tamar Talk Facebook page has been launched to provide information and clarify rumours using simple and easy-to-understand text and data.
Correspondence
This website is owned by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Copyright (c) 2007-2022 This page updated April 2022
COVID-19 related links for more information
Fight Against the Coronavirus
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html
CHP's geospatial dashboard on COVID-19
https://chp-dashboard.geodata.gov.hk/nia/en.html
HK University dashboard on COVID-19 (with real-time effective reproductive number)
https://covid19.sph.hku.hk/dashboard
Universal Community Testing Programme website
https://www.communitytest.gov.hk/
BrandHK COVID-19 Update
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/WhatSOn/HKUpdate2019.html
WHO Coronavirus website
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
FAQ - Fact Sheets - Press Releases
Management upon notification of a confirmed case in workplace
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/workplace.html
FAQ: Wearing masks in public places
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/public-transport-faq.html
FAQ: Requirements to reduce gatherings
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/social_distancing-faq.html
Fact Sheet: Hong Kong’s multi-pronged response to COVID-19
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/uploads/brandhk/files/factsheets/Hong_Kong_Themes/Factsheet_COVID-19_E.pdf
Booklet: HKSARG Economic Relief Measures
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/fund/CE-Measure-12-eng.pdf
All press releases Nov 12
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/12.htm
All press releases Nov 13
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/today.htm
Regulations
Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap.599I)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599I
- Expires at midnight on 31 December
Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-Boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap.599H)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599H
- Expires at midnight on 31 December
Conditions for inbound travellers who have visited specified high-risk places (Cap.599H)
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html
Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap.599G)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599G
- Expires at midnight on 31 December
Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) (Amendment) (No. 12) Regulation 2020
https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20202494e/es220202494209.pdf
Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirement and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap.599F)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599F
- Expires at midnight on 31 December
Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap.599E)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599E
- Expires at midnight on 31 December
Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap.599D)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599D
- Expires at midnight on 31 December
Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap.599C)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599C
- Expires at midnight on 31 December