Previously set to expire on 7 August, the extension comes amid a spike in local COVID-19 infections, prompting Hong Kong authorities to reinstate various preventative measures to contain the further spread of the virus.
Under the extension, the 14-day compulsory quarantine remains in effect and facemasks that have been mandatory on Hong Kong’s public transport since last week will now be mandatory at all public indoor spaces. Additionally, certain business categories including bars, amusement halls and fitness centres have again been ordered to suspend operations.
Wilfred Wong Ying Wai, president of Macau-based casino operator Sands China Ltd., commented that the spike in cases would impact how quickly Hong Kong can participate in a travel bubble system with Macau and other places in mainland China. He added that future restrictions are also dependent on the effectiveness of the recently activated quarantine-free travel arrangement between Macau and Guangdong.
In further efforts to curb infections, the Government has also declared that residents returning from “high-risk” countries will be required to quarantine at government appointed hotels rather than at home, with travellers having to present a negative test result for the virus before boarding flights to Hong Kong starting from next week.
Hong Kong citizens accounted for approximately 18.7% of Macau’s 2019 tally of more than 39 million arrivals. Since the COVID-19 crisis, visitor numbers from Hong Kong and mainland China, Macau’s main supply market for tourists, have declined sharply.
