Hong Kong relaxes Covid rules for tour groups, says arrangements for visiting tourists would be launched this month

The Hong Kong government said on November 7 that it had eased COVID-19 restrictions on domestic tour groups, including allowing them to enter theme parks and museums after arriving at the center. finance.

Hong Kong has relaxed many of its strict coronavirus policies in recent months, including quarantining hotels for international guests since September 26.

However, international guests are still subject to multiple coronavirus tests and are banned from entering bars, restaurants and venues such as sports clubs for the first three days.

The government said specific arrangements for tourists to visit would be introduced this month, without specifying a start date.

“Relevant agreements can assist in the gradual restoration of the domestic tourism market in an orderly manner and provide a more favorable business environment for tourism trade,” the government said.

The announcement comes after Hong Kong hosted a financial summit last week in which more than 200 financial executives who flew to the former British colony were exempted from its regulations. Hong Kong for international visitors.

Many local residents pointed out the contradiction in government policy and argued that the government should remove restrictions for everyone equally.

Hong Kong’s economy has been battered by coronavirus restrictions that have lasted for nearly three years with many small and medium businesses closing.