Quarantine period for local close contacts shortened to 14 days

Following this will be a week of self-monitoring and a virus test on the 19th day. 

The Hong Kong government announced a shortening of the quarantine period to 14 days for the previous 21 days for close contacts of COVID positive cases.

This is after taking into account the incubation period for infection with the Omicron mutant strain and consulting with the Chief Executive's advisory panel, Dr. Chuang Shuk-kwan, Centre for Health Protection Communicable Disease branch head, said.

Seven days of self-monitoring and a compulsory virus test on the 19th day will also be implemented. 

Meanwhile, those taking their quarantine at a centre are subject to multiple virus testings, with them only being allowed to do the seven-day self-monitoring after completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine with negative test results.

This, according to the government, could result in more units for those at higher risk in the centre. 

However, the government reiterated that stricter measures will be taken against returnees from overseas.