Talk of the Town : Hong Kong government relaxes the quarantine requirements
【明報專訊】Secretary of Health Lo Chung-mau has announced that inbound travellers from overseas and Taiwan will be subjected to a '0+3' arrangement starting from September 26.
Under the '0+3' arrangement, arrivals are not required to complete the quarantine arrangement in a designated quarantine hotel, but they are required to undergo three days of medical surveillance at home or at a hotel and four days of self-monitoring period. Besides, the presentation of a negative nucleic acid testing report prior to to boarding will no longer be required; it will be replaced by a self-arranged rapid antigen test.
Chief Executive John Lee said that the new requirement was a balance between risk and economic development and expressed hope to maintain the competitiveness of Hong Kong under controllable risk management.
In view of the global trend of relaxed entry rules for inbound travellers, some legislators argued that the restrictions imposed by the government were relatively outdated and hampered economic recovery. The new requirements have been seen to benefit not only the local tourism sector, but also some Hong Kong people who have not travelled since the pandemic. The new requirements can help to reduce the time required for travel. As a result, there are many people making appointments to apply for passports so as to travel.
■Game
Tourist attractions around the world. (See the picture 2)
(Answer on next text)
■Grammar booster
Prior to
Happening or existing before something else or before a particular time.
e.g. My best friend hugged me prior to his departure.
■Gear up
Under the '0+3' arrangement, arrivals are required to complete the quarantine arrangement in a designated quarantine hotel. (True/False)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
inbound (adj) 入境
undergo (v) 接受
competitiveness (n) 競爭力
appointment (n) 預約
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[Smarties' Power English 第354期]
