Gov’t axes contact tracing mandate in establishments

The Vaccine Pass arrangement, however, will remain in force.

Beginning 14 December, individuals entering various premises are no longer required to scan the LeaveHomeSafe QR code before entering various premises, the government announced.

Whilst contact tracing via LeaveHomeSafe is no longer required, the government said Hongkongers may continue to use the app since it carries several functions.

“LeaveHomeSafe is an app which can allow you to show the Vaccine Pass. It contains a number of functions, such as the scanning function, which can keep the record of your places of visit for you, as well as using it for contact tracing,” Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said.

“It also has a function of getting a code for your rapid registration for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. You can actually show the Vaccine Pass with different means, including the eHealth mobile app. You can also screen capture the Vaccine Pass as well as use a paper version of the Vaccine Pass. These are all allowed,” he added.

Following the lifting of the contact tracing mandate, venue operators will no longer need to display QR codes.

“Those who wish to enter premises such as restaurants, bars and scheduled premises still have to fulfil the vaccination requirements and present the Vaccine Pass QR code before entry,” the health secretary clarified.

Meanwhile, the government also cancelled the three-day amber code restrictions on travellers arriving from overseas places or Taiwan.
 
“Inbound travellers will still be required to undergo nucleic acid tests under the "test-and-go" arrangement at the airport on the day of arrival in Hong Kong and Day 2 after arrival, as well as daily rapid antigen tests until Day 5,” the health chief said.
 
Here are other adjustments made by the government concerning its COVID measures:

• Lifting of the additional rapid nucleic acid test at land boundary control points and the airport for travellers going to the Mainland or Macau before departure or boarding.
• Regular nucleic acid testing will only apply to high-risk groups such as Hospital Authority staff and those working in residential care homes for the elderly and disabled people. 
• Reduction of the issuance of compulsory testing notices to residential buildings.
• Lifting the requirement for people under home isolation to wear electronic wristbands.

 Other social distancing measures will be in place until 28 December.