Hong Kong mulling shorter quarantine period for fully vaccinated travelers
June 10, 2021
•
2 min read
Hong Kong mulling shorter quarantine period for fully vaccinated travelers
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Hong Kong may be close to easing some of the world's tightest COVID-19 restrictions.
An advisory panel of government officials is recommending cutting the mandatory quarantine period for fully vaccinated visitors in half — from 14 days to seven — according to The Straits Times.
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Under the proposed change, vaccinated people arriving from countries not deemed "high risk" would be eligible for the shorter quarantine period. The exemption would be contingent on travelers getting a positive antibody result from a test taken in Hong Kong after they arrive.
Loosening its restrictions would be a massive change for Hong Kong, which has had extremely tight protocols in place since the pandemic began. Most people traveling from abroad are required to wear a tracking bracelet and isolate in their hotel rooms for three weeks — 14-day quarantine plus a seven-day self-monitoring period.
Related: Hong Kong and Singapore delay their travel bubble -- again
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But recently, the government carved out some exceptions to allow high-level bankers more flexibility in a move seen as catering to Hong Kong's all-important financial sector. Officials announced that two senior leaders at banks or insurance companies can apply each month for quarantine exceptions. Any applicants must be fully vaccinated to be considered.
The same panel advocating for a reduced quarantine period also supported lowering the age threshold for getting the vaccine to 12. That change will be implemented later this month.
Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees