Hong Kong Update for Travellers and Others

Get travel advice and stay on top of the latest developments in Hong Kong affecting the airport, public transport, public safety and other issues. Details here.

Public Health Response Plan Activated

Hong Kong health authorities continue to monitor developments regarding the emergence of an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. A dedicated webpage has been set up to provide relevant information and health advice. Details here.

US$3.2 billion fund to fight viral outbreak

February 14, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government will set up a HK$25 billion (US$3.2 billion) fund to help local residents and businesses tide over the coronavirus situation. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the initiative is a commitment to the people of Hong Kong. The Chief Executive stressed that Hong Kong was facing an almost unprecedented situation that was still evolving. "This time, the Government has taken some bold and decisive steps to help different sectors and to ensure that we can continue to undertake all the infection control measures that have been put in place," she said. Vowing that the Government would continue to work very hard based on its good public health experience, the expertise of its advisory panel, the dedication of colleagues, as well as the amount of resources it was prepared to put into the fight against the disease, Mrs Lam added that the measures were justified and took into account feedback from the public, various sectors and Legislative Council members. Details here.

Quarantine surveillance enhanced

February 12, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government is enhancing surveillance (Feb 12) of people under the compulsory quarantine orders issued by the Department of Health (DH).The DH and Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) will continue to make surprise phone calls and video calls and request real-time locations to the persons under quarantine. If those under quarantine fail to share their real-time locations via their mobile devices, they will be immediately requested to wear electronic wristbands so that the DH can monitor them. The Government is also strengthening manpower to assist the DH and the OGCIO in this joint effort to combat the novel coronavirus. The Government reiterated the importance of self-discipline by people under quarantine, urging them to strictly comply with the quarantine orders. Details here.

Postal services from the United States normal

February 12, 2020 - Hongkong Post announced (Feb 12) that, as advised by the United States Postal Service (USPS), postal services originating from the United States to Hong Kong remain normal, while priority mail express international service (i.e. Speedpost) items for Hong Kong may be subject to delay due to widespread flight cancellations. In addition, mail transiting the USPS from other regions to Hong Kong have been suspended. Details here.

Cooperation urged in fight against virus

February 11, 2020 - Chief Executive Carrie Lam has called on Hong Kong citizens to fully cooperate and participate in the fight against the novel coronavirus by staying at home as much as possible, particularly those subject to the Government’s compulsory quarantine order. Mrs Lam made the appeal Tuesday (Feb 11), after some residents were found to have breached their 14-day quarantine. “In order to fight this virus, Hong Kong needs the full cooperation and active participation of every member of society. This is a time for social cohesion. This is a time for every one of us to display civic responsibility," she said. Anyone who breaches the compulsory quarantine is subject to a fine of US$3,205 and imprisonment for six months. The Hong Kong SAR Government was providing quarantined residents with as much support as possible. The Chief Executive also reiterated the Government’s appeal for the public to avoid some social interactions and activities to prevent a community-wide outbreak of novel coronavirus infection. Details here.

Multi-pronged approach to procure surgical masks

February 10, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government (Feb 10) has been adopting a multi-pronged approach to procure surgical masks globally through different channels and means. The Government (is prioritizing the distribution of surgical masks in accordance with the risk level, with priority given to healthcare workers and personnel providing care services; and personnel who provide essential services and who are required to have contact with the public at work. Details here.

Cruise quarantine completed

February 9, 2020 - The Centre for Health Protection said (Feb 9) all those on board the World Dream cruise ship docked in Hong Kong no longer need to be under surveillance for the novel coronavirus and may disembark, following negative results for the novel coronavirus for all 1,800 crewmembers. Some Mainland travellers who had earlier taken the cruise were confirmed to have been infected with the novel coronavirus, so tests were conducted on all 1,800 crewmembers to safeguard the current passengers on board. Details here.

Hong Kong fashion shines in New York

February 8, 2020 - Thirty six unique creations by three leading Hong Kong fashion brands - Harrison Wong, Heaven Please+ and Sun=Sen - took to the runway at New York Fashion Week, . Aside from the showcase of the city's vibrant fashion and style at the Fashion Hong Kong show (Feb 6), industry elites and style influencers learned more about the latest in Hong Kong’s fashion at the after-show event - Fashion Hong Kong Night. To further promote the city’s fashion brands and foster exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong designers and international buyers, emerging Hong Kong fashion accessories and apparel brands are featured in Fashion Hong Kong Showroom (Feb 4 - Mar 5). Details here.

New York-area students gather at HKETONY

February 7, 2020 - HKETONY hosted a gathering for Hong Kong students studying at different universities in New York (Feb 7), where they shared their study abroad experience. Director of HKETONY Joanne Chu welcomed the students and introduced to them the role and work of the office. Head of CreateHK Victor Tsang, who was in town for Fashion Hong Kong events, also joined the gathering and shared the Hong Kong SAR Government’s policies in nurturing the next generation of creative talents. Details here.

Some overseas airmail services subject to delay

February 7, 2020 - Due to flight adjustments of some airlines, airmail services from Hong Kong to a number of destinations, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil and Chile may be subject to delay, according to the Hongkong Post (Feb 7). Details here.

Mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving from Mainland

February 5, 2020 - Effective Feb 8, Hong Kong will require all travelers from the Mainland to be placed on mandatory quarantine for 14 days. The measure will further reduce cross-boundary flow of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland, thereby reducing the risk of transmission and spread of the disease in the community. In addition, immigration services at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the Ocean Terminal have also been suspended effective immediately. Refuting rumors, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that freight services between the Mainland and Hong Kong will not be affected. The supply of food products remains normal and there is no shortage of food in the city. Details here.

December retail sales down

February 4, 2020 - December's value of total retail sales, provisionally estimated at US$4.6 billion, fell 19.4% year-on-year. For 2019 as a whole, the value of total retail sales was provisionally estimated at US$55.2 billion, down 11.1% in value and 12.3% in volume compared with 2018. A Hong Kong SAR Government spokesman said that retail sales continued to decline sharply in December 2019, as the impact of the local social incidents on consumption- and tourism-related activities remained severe. The business environment for retail trade has become even more difficult recently, with the threat of the novel coronavirus infection heavily weighing on inbound tourism and local consumption sentiment. Details here.

Government defends response to disease

February 4, 2020 - Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam refuted (Feb 4) allegations claiming that the Hong Kong SAR Government has not adequately addressed public health concerns arising from the novel coronavirus situation and has put politics above public health. Mrs Lam said that since Jan 25, the Government has made four announcements to introduce measures to respond to the disease’s evolving situation. “Our public health strategy is to ensure that we could speedily respond to the changing situation and implement as quickly as possible the necessary response measures," she said. “I certainly would not agree with the allegation that we are not addressing this public health concern adequately, and certainly I don’t agree with the allegation that we are putting politics above public health. This is a public health situation and we are assisted by our experts, both external and in-house, to tackle this very important situation.” Mrs Lam added that all the measures that has been adopted are focused on the one single objective to minimise and reduce very significantly cross-border passenger traffic so as to reduce the chances of infection. Details here.

US-bound counterfeit goods seized

February 4, 2020 - Approximately 10,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, with an estimated market value of US$141,025 were seized by Hong Kong Customs during a targeted operation in January to combat cross-boundary counterfeiting activities involving goods destined for the United State. Through intelligence exchanges with the US customs authorities, Hong Kong Customs took enforcement action in January and stepped up inspection against suspicious express consignments destined for the United States. Details here.

Past events