Hong Kong diversifies anti-epidemic measures

The fight against the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 has kept governments around the world on their toes during the summer months. Since the outbreak in early January, the HKSAR Government has implemented a comprehensive approach to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the community. With the lessons learned from previous epidemic outbreaks, Hong Kong reacts promptly, flexibly, and transparently whilst remaining alerted.

The HKSAR Government introduced a variety of specific measures in the areas of health surveillance, compulsory quarantine, isolation treatment, health declaration, exit screening, reducing the flow of inbound travellers, social distancing and mask-wearing regulations, supporting front-line healthcare staff and providing sufficient personal protective equipment. Locally developed reusable masks were distributed free of charge to all Hong Kong citizens. The first round of distribution took place in early summer and the second one in fall. By striking a balance between economic needs and levels of acceptance of the society, the Government follows a “suppress and lift” strategy to respond to the actual developments of the epidemic situation as needed.

Hong Kong has tightened its entry restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 and non-Hong Kong residents have been denied entry to Hong Kong since March 25, 2020. From November 13, all Hong Kong residents returning from overseas must have a confirmed hotel booking for their compulsory 14-day quarantine on arrival. Nevertheless, Hong Kong has taken the first step towards gradual reopening by reaching an agreement with Singapore to establish a bilateral Air Travel Bubble. Meanwhile, all international visitors are advised to regularly check for information from the authorities of Hong Kong and home countries to keep updated on the latest travel restrictions.

Since spring, checks for mandatory quarantine were enhanced and facilities for quarantine, isolation, and treatment were expanded, with a temporary hospital being constructed near the AsiaWorld-Expo to provide further relief to hospitals. Testing capacities have also been significantly increased. Besides rolling out a Targeted Group Testing Scheme in mid-July to increase testing of high-risk groups, the Universal Community Testing Programme provided a one-off free testing service to the general public from September 1 to 14, 2020. Some 1,783,000 people were tested under this programme which helped identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to cut down transmission chains in the community.

In an effort to promote social distancing, the 2020 Legislative Council General Election was postponed to September 5, 2021. Other events attracting large crowds were also cancelled or postponed. Several events such as the Startmeup HK Festival or the FinTech Week moved online this year.


To continue assisting industries and people affected by the epidemic, Hong Kong announced its third package of anti-epidemic relief measures on September 15, 2020. The additional package of HKD 24 billion includes subsidies to hard-hit sectors as well as extension of waivers and rental concessions.


The HKETO Berlin organised two webinars in June to discuss and share different approaches in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong and Europe. Panelist speakers from Austria, Hungary and Poland joined the fruitful discussions on how to effectively tackle COVID-19 and how to move forward in the future. By building on its strong fundamentals, Hong Kong’s economy is hopeful to rebound and remain an attractive location as a global centre for trade, business and finance in the post COVID-19 world.