bc magazine

LeaveHomeSafe App Required for Restaurants and Bars

From 9 December usage of the ‘LeaveHomeSafe‘ mobile app will be strictly enforced for entering all restaurants.

The Government has announced the updated arrangements for using the “LeaveHomeSafe” (LHS) mobile application that will take effect on 9 December 2021.

Scanning of the venue QR code will be required for entry to all premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F). The modes of operation of catering business will also be adjusted accordingly…

Cap 599F covers all catering business premises that offer dine-in services, bars or pubs, bathhouses, party rooms, clubs or nightclubs, karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises, cruise ships, amusement game centres, fitness centres, places of amusement, places of public entertainment, beauty parlours and massage establishments, clubhouses, sports premises, swimming pools, hotel and guesthouses, and event premises.

If you are not sure there is more information www.coronavirus.gov.hk

LeaveHomeSafe App Required for Government Buildings

From 1 November usage of the ‘LeaveHomeSafe‘ mobile app will be strictly enforced for employees and members of the public when entering government buildings.

Scanning of the venue QR code will be required for entry.

What exactly constitutes a ‘government building’ is not defined in the announcement.

The more important question is if the government are willing to mandate usage of the LeaveHomeSafe app to enter. Why won’t they take the commonsense step and only allow entry to vaccinated people?

A requirement that is in place in several countries across the world. This would quickly boost the vaccination levels in the SAR.

New Quarantine Hotel List Announced: 1 December 2021 – 28 February, 2022

An updated list of 40 designated Hong Kong quarantine hotels for the period 1 December 2021 – 28 February 2022 (sixth cycle) has been released.

The list of designated hotels in the sixth cycle features 11,500 rooms and related details such as room rates have been uploaded to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel.html, or download the pdf here.

New hotels for this cycle are: iclub Fortress Hill Hotel; O’Hotel; Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West (Tower 1); Lanson Place Causeway Bay; Holiday Inn Golden Mile.

Rates for many hotels have risen sharply for this sixth cycle!

There is an excellent google docs form here about the various hotels including room prices, contact details, restrictions.

A facebook group exists Transfer HK Quarantine Hotel Reservations to connect those who have a reservation and can’t use it with those looking for a room.

Central and Western District
1. Best Western Plus Hotel Hong Kong
2. CM+ Hotels & Serviced Apartments
3. Grand City Hotel
4. JEN Hong Kong by Shangri-La
5. Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong
6. One-Eight-One Hotel & Serviced Residences
7. Ramada Hong Kong Harbour View
8. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
9. Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong
10. Ovolo Central

Hong Kong Eastern District
1. iclub Fortress Hill Hotel
2. Ramada Hong Kong Grand View

Islands District
1. Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung
2. Regal Airport Hotel

Kowloon City District
1. Bridal Tea House Hotel Hung Hom Gillies Avenue South
2. iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel
3. Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
4. Metropark Hotel Kowloon Hong Kong
5. Regal Oriental Hotel
6. O’Hotel

Kwai Tsing District
1. Dorsett Tsuen Wan

Hong Kong Southern District
1. Nina Hotel Island South (Formerly L’hotel Island South)
2. Ovolo Southside

Tsuen Wan District
1. Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West (Tower 1)
2. Silka Far East Hotel Hong Kong

Wan Chai District
1. Best Western Hotel Causeway Bay
2. Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
3. Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
4. Mira Moon Hotel
5. Lanson Place Causeway Bay
6. Eco Tree Hotel Causeway Bay
7. Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay
8. Empire Prestige Causeway Bay
9. Empire Hotel Causeway Bay

Wong Tai Sin District
1. Pentahotel Hong Kong

Kowloon Yau Tsim Mong District
1. Bridal Tea House Hotel Yau Ma Tei Wing Sing Lane
2. Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong
3. Ramada Hong Kong Grand
4. Silka Seaview Hotel Hong Kong
5. Holiday Inn Golden Mile

Government Extends Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) to March 31, 2022

The Government announced today (10 August) that it will extend the expiry dates of various regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) to March 31, 2022

A Government spokesman explained that extending the expiry dates of the relevant regulations maintains the legal frameworks for the implementation of the relevant infection control measures. It does not imply that the restrictions currently imposed under those regulations will be maintained until the corresponding expiry dates.

The relevant statutory framework has provisions in place to allow flexibility such that the Government may tighten, relax or even suspend specific requirements and conditions subject to development of the epidemic situation.

“We will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place from time to time with a view to making suitable adjustments taking into account all relevant factors,” said the spokesman.

Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599)

(1) Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C)

(2) Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap. 599D)

(3) Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E)

(4) Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F)

(5) Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G)

(6) Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H)

(7) Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I)

(8) Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J)

((1)-(7) above are currently effective till September 30, 2021. (8) is currently effective till August 14, 2021)

Self-paid Serology Antibody Testing Service at Airport

The Government has announced the commencement of a self-paid serology antibody testing service at the airport from 18 August for people arriving in Hong Kong. No prices have yet been confirmed.

Fully vaccinated people arriving in Hong Kong who do not possess a positive result proof of a recognised serology antibody test can choose to undergo a self-paid serology antibody test at the airport’s Temporary Specimen Collection Centre (TSCC) during “test and hold”. The relevant arrangement will be as follows:
(a) Fully vaccinated persons who have stayed in the new Group B specified places will still have to abide by the following relevant boarding requirements, otherwise they will not be able to board flights for Hong Kong:
(i) present a recognised vaccination record,
(ii) present a negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the aircraft, and
(iii) present confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a DQH in Hong Kong for no less than 14 nights starting from the day of the arrival of the relevant traveller at Hong Kong;
(b) before departure, relevant persons should register and pay for the test on the website of the self-paid serology antibody testing service provider, accessible via a link to be uploaded on the Government’s COVID-19 thematic website (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html);
(c) upon arrival, follow instructions to undergo “test-and-hold” at TSCC;
(d) after specimen collection for the nucleic acid test under “test-and-hold” and on receipt of the relevant quarantine order, persons arriving at Hong Kong who choose to undergo a self-paid serology antibody test at the airport can follow directions to undergo the test by venous blood sampling; and
(e) after undergoing venous blood sampling, the relevant person can leave the airport on confirmation of a negative nucleic acid test result by Government-arranged designated transport to undergo compulsory quarantine in DQHs.

The result of the serology antibody test will be available in about 2 days. If the result is positive, the Department of Health will contact the relevant passengers through their DQHs to shorten their compulsory quarantine period to 7 days. The relevant persons can then arrange with DQHs on refunding the cost of the remaining 7 nights of room reservation.

Passengers still have to undergo two nucleic acid tests during the 7-day compulsory quarantine period, followed by a 7-day self-monitoring period as well as compulsory testing on the 9th, 12th, 16th and 19th days of arrival at Hong Kong.

“Persons who choose to undergo self-paid serology antibody testing at the airport will still be required to present at boarding the confirmation of a room reservation of no less than 14 nights in a DQH in Hong Kong, or they will not be allowed to board flights for Hong Kong. The self-paid serology antibody testing service is provided by private testing institutions. Details can be checked with the institutions directly. Persons arriving at Hong Kong should endeavour to reserve and pay for the serology antibody test before departure, in order to ensure a smooth arrival process,” a Government spokesman reminded.

Macao Temporarily Removed From Return2hk Scheme

The Government announced today (August 3) that in the light of the latest epidemic development in Macao, Macao will be included on the List of At-risk Places Temporarily Inapplicable under the Return2hk Scheme (List of At-risk Places) from 4 August.

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced today that one imported case and three imported-related cases have been confirmed. According to the assessment by Macao’s Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre, the risk of local transmission and outbreak of COVID-19 was extremely high. The Chief Executive of the Macao SAR announced that Macao has entered a state of immediate prevention, with effect from 3.30pm today. Starting from the same time, a proof of negative nucleic acid test result obtained within 24 hours is necessary for departure from Macao.

Taking into consideration Macao’s local epidemic development and the relevant announcement, the HK Government will include Macao on the List of At-risk Places from 4 August. Persons who have stayed in Macao or any other places on the List of At-risk Places on the day of arrival at Hong Kong or during the 14 days before that day will not be eligible to return to Hong Kong under the Return2hk Scheme. They will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine at home, and have to undergo compulsory testing on the third, the seventh and the 12th days of arrival at Hong Kong during quarantine, as well as on the 16th and 19th days of arrival at Hong Kong after the completion of quarantine.

The arrangements of shortened quarantine period to seven days for fully vaccinated persons will also not be applicable.

New Quarantine Hotel List Announced: 1 September – 30 November, 2021

An updated list of 37 designated Hong Kong quarantine hotels for the period 1 September – 30 November 2021 (fifth cycle) has been released.

The list of designated hotels in the fifth cycle and related details such as room rates have been uploaded to www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel.html, or download the pdf here.

New hotels for this cycle are: Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong, Empire Hotel Causeway Bay, Empire Prestige Causeway Bay.

There is an excellent google docs form here about the various hotels including room prices, contact details, restrictions,

Hong Kong Eastern District
1. Ramada Hong Kong Grand View

Islands District
1. Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung
2. Regal Airport Hotel

Kowloon City District
1. Bridal Tea House Hotel Hung Hom Gillies Avenue South
2. iclub Ma Tau Wai Hotel
3. Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
4. Metropark Hotel Kowloon Hong Kong
5. Regal Oriental Hotel

Kwai Tsing District
1. Dorsett Tsuen Wan

Hong Kong Southern District
1. Nina Hotel Island South (Formerly L’hotel Island South)
2. Ovolo Southside

Tsuen Wan District
1. Silka Far East Hotel Hong Kong

Wan Chai District
1. Best Western Hotel Causeway Bay
2. Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong
3. Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
4. Mira Moon Hotel
5. Vela Boutique Hotel
6. Eco Tree Hotel Causeway Bay
7. Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay
8. Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong
9. Empire Hotel Causeway Bay
10. Empire Prestige Causeway Bay

Wong Tai Sin District
1. Pentahotel Hong Kong

Kowloon Yau Tsim Mong District
1. Bridal Tea House Hotel Yau Ma Tei Wing Sing Lane
2. Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong
3. Ramada Hong Kong Grand
4. Silka Seaview Hotel Hong Kong
5. Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers

Antibody Tests

Today (26 June), the Government announced a list of private medical laboratories for conducting recognised antibody tests.

Antibody tests will be used by the HK Government as part of administering compulsory quarantine duration requirements for inbound travellers who have been fully vaccinated and tested positive for antibodies.

Antibody tests must fulfil the following criteria:
(1) The test is IgG/total antibody test against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein/surrogate neutralising antibody test;
(2) The test is done by a recognised medical laboratory listed in Annex;
(3) The test is done within three months (based on specimen collection date);
(4) Laboratories in Group A (private medical laboratories with the test area of “virology–serology” accredited under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS)) may use any validated antibody testing platforms;
(5) Laboratories in Group B (accredited private medical laboratories recognised by the Hong Kong Government’s Laboratory Recognition Scheme without the “virology–serology” accreditation) may only use specified antibody testing platforms (currently include antibody testing platforms in use by the Hospital Authority); and
(6) The test result must be reported in the prescribed format in paper form or in the electronic form on the Government system to be rolled out separately.

The currently recognised antibody tests will be done by serology testing using blood drawn from veins. The decision to receive serology testing is completely voluntary and it is a self-paid arrangement.

Antibody tests will be introduced in two parts:
Phase 1, starting from 30 June, HongKongers may take a recognised antibody test before departing Hong Kong. The documentary proof of such will be recognised to administer the compulsory quarantine arrangements upon returning to Hong Kong.

Phase 2 starting later in July will offer self-paid antibody tests for inbound travellers at the airport – subject to the implementation progress and epidemic developments.

Updated Quarantine Requirements

As announced on 21 June the duration of compulsory quarantine for inbound travellers could be adjusted to seven days of quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel plus seven days of self-monitoring with multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nucleic acid tests if they meet all the following three criteria:

(1) Fully vaccinated with a vaccination record (Note);
(2) Obtained a negative nucleic acid test result during “test-and-hold” arrangement upon arrival at Hong Kong; and
(3) Possess positive result proof of a recognised serology antibody test conducted within the past three months.

The purpose of checking antibodies is to show evidence of response to vaccination.

Note: Fully vaccinated means the suggested dosage has been administered in accordance with the relevant guidelines of a COVID-19 vaccination course at least 14 days prior to arrival in Hong Kong. The relevant vaccines administered should be those included on the List of COVID-19 Vaccines Recognised for Specified Purposes (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/list_of_recognised_covid19_vaccines.pdf). Travellers who have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection will be required to receive one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated.

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