In less than a fortnight, Hong Kong will begin stepping away from its COVID-zero policy, with a roadmap towards eased restrictions announced.
From April 1, fully vaccinated arrivals who can provide a negative PCR test will be allowed to enter from flights via nine approved countries: Australia, the UK, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the US and the Philippines.
Arrivals will still have to undergo hotel quarantine. However, it is halved from 14 days to seven.
The decision, announced by the city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, is expected to quieten criticism from residents who have become increasingly frustrated at Hong Kong's COVID restrictions — with some having been in place for more than two years.
