Coronavirus: quarantine extended to 21 days for Hongkongers visiting Shenzhen, following emergence of mutated strains
- Tightening of Covid-19 rules by Guangdong authorities effectively ends hopes of the border reopening with mainland China in the short term
- Seven-day extension to mandatory quarantine came into force on Thursday
The Health Commission of Guangdong Province ruled on Thursday with immediate effect that Hong Kong residents would be required on entry to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks, before spending a further seven days confined for observation in their homes or other accommodation.
During the observation period, arrivals must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the first and the last day of their confinement to ensure mutated strains of the coronavirus do not enter the mainland community from Hong Kong.
Hong Kong businesses were disappointed at the tightening of the quarantine arrangements, saying they were resigned to further delays to the lifting of border restrictions.
“It is unimaginable when the border will be restored,” said Danny Lau Tat-pong, honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises, a 1,700-member chamber.
“Business owners and operators including myself have waited for more than a year and are still waiting.”
Hong Kong has closed all but three border checkpoints since February last year to contain the coronavirus.
The resulting toll on the economy has been heavy, with tourism wiped out and business travel minimal.