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.

Support for Hong Kong Community

The Hong Kong SAR Government has unveiled a series of economic relief measures to support individuals and businesses in Hong Kong affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Details of the various measures to preserve the vitality of the economy, retain jobs and relieve people's financial burdens can be found here.

Hong Kong continues to be free and open

July 7, 2020 - Hong Kong will continue to be a free and open society, said Chief Executive Carrie Lam today at the online conference of the 5th edition of the StartmeupHK Festival. "The rule of law including an independent judiciary will be as robust as ever. In short, the favorable factors of Hong Kong in attracting start-ups remain unchanged," Mrs Lam added. This year's StartmeupHK Festival, running from July 6 to 10, has gone virtual due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Details here.

Security measures clarified

July 7, 2020 - More than half of the measures for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong are practices that currently exist in Hong Kong’s laws, Secretary for Security John Lee said today. Citing the power to search, Mr Lee explained that such power will be conducted under a warrant issued by the Judiciary. “In general situations, it will be conducted under a warrant issued by the court. But in exceptional circumstances, where evidence may be destroyed in a short period of time or the person responsible may have a chance to escape, when police officers are facing these situations they can search the premises without applying for a search warrant," he said. “Such practice actually exists in current laws." Mr Lee emphasized that there are checks and balances in all these measures, adding that the procedures to implement them do comply with the protection of human rights and the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights. Details here.

Social distancing measures under review

July 7, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government may tighten the existing social distancing measures in view of the recent number of COVID-19 local cases, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said. Speaking to reporters tonight, Prof Chan said measures involving scheduled premises, restaurants and prohibition of group gatherings have been lifted earlier when the epidemic situation in Hong Kong was found more stable. However, she noted recently there are a number of local cases, with at least five with unknown sources. “We would, first of all, look into all these measures that we have relaxed previously and see how and also when we are going to suppress in the form of tightening (the measures)," she said. “Secondly, we will also continue to monitor the epidemic situation and local cases." Details here.

Foreign currency reserves at US$445.9 billion

July 7, 2020 - Hong Kong's foreign currency reserves amounted to US$445.9 billion as at the end of June 2020, compared with US$442.4 billion at the end of May 2020. The total foreign currency reserve assets of US$445.9 billion represent over six times the currency in circulation or about 46 per cent of Hong Kong dollar M3. Details here.

National security law restores stability

July 6, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government today stressed that the national security legislation can promptly reverse the chaotic situation of the past year and restore stability in Hong Kong, thereby improving Hong Kong's business and investment environment. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung and Secretary for Security John Lee met US Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau Hanscom Smith today on the national security law. “Our much-valued institutional strengths and core competitiveness will remain intact. They include the rule of law and judicial independence, open and flexible markets, a simple and low tax regime, an efficient public sector and a favorable business environment with a level playing field,” a government spokesman said. Details here.

Payment disbursed for 3.15 million people

July 6, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government has disbursed payment to 3.15 million people who registered electronically through banks on or before June 30 under the Cash Payout Scheme. The payments are made in batches. People who register electronically through banks on or after July 1 will receive payment about one week after registration. About 1,000 bank branches of 21 participating banks across the city are accepting electronic registration. Details here.

New US act opposed

July 3, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government expressed (Jul 3) strong opposition to the passage of the “Hong Kong Autonomy Act” by the US Congress. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the proposed sanctions will only harm the relations and common interests between Hong Kong and the US. A Government spokesman said the National Security Law is an important step to improve the 'one country, two systems' institutional system and represents an essential and timely decision for restoring stability in Hong Kong. The law will not affect the high degree of autonomy, judicial independence and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Details here.

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