Entry requirement to Hong Kong from the US

Starting at 0.00 a.m., August 10, 2020, the relevant conditions for Hong Kong residents travelling from the US to Hong Kong have been simplified. Before boarding the flight, relevant travellers are required to present test report, in English or Chinese, showing a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test administered within 72 hours of the scheduled time of departure. The traveller is also required to present documentary proof in English to show that the laboratory or healthcare institution is recognized/ approved/ ISO15189 accredited. Recognized laboratories in the US may be located via: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/CLIA_Laboratory_Demographic_Information and print out the relevant record from the database. A relevant letter issued by the New York State Department of Health is attached for reference. The travellers are also required to show confirmation that they have booked a hotel for at least two weeks and will be quarantined at the hotel upon arrival. Please note that until further notice, only Hong Kong residents will be permitted to enter Hong Kong. The relevant specifications will remain effective until further notice. Details here.

Hong Kong's latest response to COVID-19

Get timely information on how Hong Kong is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, including quarantine arrangements, social distancing measures, public safety, public health 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.

Hong Kong students triumph at 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics

Sep 24, 2020 - A team of three Hong Kong students won one gold and two bronze medals at the 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2020) held online (Sep 13 - 19). The contest is the most recognised worldwide computer science competition aimed at secondary students under 20 years of age. This year's contest was held online from September 13 to 19 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, today congratulated the team on their outstanding performance. "It is very encouraging to see the remarkable achievements of the Hong Kong team in IOI, which is one of the International Science Olympiads under UNESCO and is aimed at promoting coding education that helps nurture students' computational thinking and problem-solving skills," he said. Details here.

Full subsidy for exhibition rentals

Sep 24, 2020 - With the gradual stabilization of the epidemic situation and the progressive resumption of convention and exhibition activities, the Hong Kong SAR Government will provide a 100% venue rental subsidy for organizers of exhibitions and international conventions held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo. The Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme, which has no cap, will be launched on Oct 3, 2020 and will last for 12 months until Oct 2, 2021. The subsidy is applicable to all exhibitions and international conventions held at the two venues during the period. Eligible organizers will be required to submit applications via the two venue operators after the events. Set up under the Anti-epidemic Fund, the Convention & Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme has a total commitment of HK$1.02 billion (US$130 million). Details here.

August exports down 2.3%

Sep 24, 2020 - The value of Hong Kong's total exports fell to HK$344.5 billion (US$44.1 billion) in August, down 2.3% compared with the same month last year. The value of goods imports dropped 5.7% to HK$359.1 billion (US$46 billion) year-on-year in the same month. A trade deficit of HK$14.6 billion (US$1.8 billion), or 4.1% of the value of imports, was recorded for the period. Comparing the three-month period ending August with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 0.3% while that of imports increased by 0.6%. Details here.

Social distancing measures extended

Sep 23, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government is extending its current social distancing measures, with minor refinements, starting Sep 25, including the re-opening of public bowling alleys, billiard establishments and shower facilities. Live performances at some entertainment venues could re-start on Oct 1, subject to the latest requirements and restrictions and the adoption of sufficient epidemic prevention measures. Dine-in services at catering premises will continue to operate at 50% capacity, with no more than four people per table. Group gatherings of more than four people in public places will be prohibited and the existing mask-wearing requirement in public places and on public transport continues to be in effect. Details here.

Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma issues statement

Sep 23, 2020 - In a statement issued today, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal Mr Geoffrey Ma, said there must not be a politicization of the Judiciary and its functions. He explained that the constitutional duty of judges, in the exercise of judicial power, is to strictly apply the law and nothing else and that such duty does not involve judges deciding political matters or controversies. It follows that judges must therefore not be influenced by political considerations of whatever nature, the Chief Justice added. It is the law that always governs the determination and handling of any case, without any extraneous factors being considered. All are equal before the law, no one is above it. The statement also devoted special attention to the topics of bail, sentencing and appeals and reviews. Details here.

Disney’s option for site to end

Sep 23, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government today announced that it will not extend the option for Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited (HKITP) to purchase the site adjacent to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort at Penny's Bay due to current economic conditions. "The Government considers it prudent for HKITP to focus on the development and expansion of the existing resort in the coming few years, rather than geographic expansion into the Site," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, adding that the Government ontinues to fully support the existing expansion plan for the resort despite the prevailing worldwide tourism downturn. Details here.

Hong Kong's gateway role reaffirmed

Sep 22, 2020 - Financial Secretary Paul Chan reaffirms that Hong Kong continues to be the unique business bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world. Delivering opening remarks at the " "How Hong Kong continues to be a gateway to China" webinar today, Mr Chan said Hong Kong's wide-ranging institutional advantages and fundamentals, including the rule of law and judicial independence, free flows of information and capital and a low and simple tax system, have continued to underpin the city as an international financial, trading and commercial center. Riding on its formidable strengths, Hong Kong has been exploring initiatives to open up more markets and business opportunities for local and international businesses, he said. Details here.

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