The Hong Kong government announced the end to its amber health code restrictions for arrivals and the use of scanning app to enter premises starting on Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Based on a report from South China Morning Post (SCMP), the removal of the amber health code will effectively lift all travel restrictions for visitors arriving in the city who will test negative as well as those who are subjected to curbs during their first three-day stay.
“The decisions were based on data and risks. The infection risk from imported cases is lower than the risk from local infections," said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday in the SCMP report.
"We believe that the lifting will not increase the risk of local outbreaks,” he added.
Under the new rule, a "0+0" regime will now be implemented and all incoming travelers who test negative will be issued with a "blue code" and can move in the city without any restrictions.
Hong Kong has recently implemented a "0+3" period where travelers are issued an amber code on their health application, and are restricted to enter public places such as restaurants, bars, clubs, gyms, swimming pools, salons, and spas, until they test negative after three days.
Meanwhile, those who test positive will still get a "red health code" and will have to follow the isolation protocols.
Residents will also no longer have to scan QR codes with their “Leave Home Safe” app to record visits to premises anymore.
However, restaurant patrons and entrants to designated venues must still present their vaccination records, the report added.