Hong Kong will scrap mandatory hotel quarantine for all visitors as of September 26, in a move designed to boost the financial hub’s revival.

Under the new scheme, detailed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, inbound travellers will need to take a rapid test rather than a PCR test within 24 hours before boarding their flight.

Upon landing at Hong Kong airport they’ll take a PCR test under a ‘test-and-go’ practice which will not require them to wait at the airport – although it’s not yet clear exactly what specific quarantine measures will kick in should a positive result be returned.

The new ‘0+3’ scheme will see travellers face restrictions on their movements In their three days in Hong Kong, with the government’s Leave Home Safe app showing an amber code which will not permit them into bars or restaurants.

However, they will otherwise be free to move around the city, including visiting public areas such as shopping malls and taking public transport, where people are required to wear masks at almost all times.

A negative result from a PCR test taken on the third day will see the app change to a blue code which will lift those restrictions.

Visitors will also need to take a mandatory PCR test on days 4 and 6, and if they test positive will either be isolated at home, in hotels, or in community facilities, “depending on the situation.”

Hong Kong has been largely isolated since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in February 2020 due to adopting some of the world’s strictest health measures, while it neighbours – especially regional rival Singapore – continue to power ahead after reopening.

The HKSAR government is positive about the direction of the epidemic.  The risk of overseas arrivals is no higher than or lower than the risk of local transmission.  The new measures will help to balance risks and economic dynamics, and maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness while controlling risk.