Coronavirus: 60,000 travellers expected each way between Hong Kong and mainland China every day after border reopens
- Announcing long-awaited measures, city leader John Lee says ‘we are almost at 100 per cent normality’
- More than 250,000 people in Hong Kong have so far registered to travel to mainland via platform, government says
Key points:
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Daily quota for three land crossings set at 35,000 for Lok Ma Chau spur line, 10,000 for Shenzhen Bay and 5,000 for Man Kam To
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Visitors heading north via land crossings, except mainland residents living in Hong Kong, must first register online before departure
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More than 250,000 people in Hong Kong have so far signed up
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Travellers need to produce a negative PCR test taken before departure, but no vaccine requirement
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High-speed rail service may resume by January 15, while Lo Wu control point still suspended
At least 60,000 people a day will be allowed to cross the Hong Kong-mainland China border each way without the need to undergo quarantine from Sunday, as seven land, sea and air checkpoints return to regular operating hours after three years of closures or limited services under tough pandemic restrictions.
Unveiling details of the long-awaited return to near-normality, authorities on Thursday launched a new registration system for Hongkongers crossing into the mainland through two main land checkpoints at Man Kam To and Lok Ma Chau spur line set to reopen on January 8, and the already up-and-running Shenzhen Bay port.
“We are almost at 100 per cent normality,” Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said. “We are just one step away from pre-pandemic levels.
“The only thing left is the mask-wearing mandate and quarantine order for infected patients. Our pandemic situation is under control, and I am confident the actual situation can be seen by those around the world.”
Five hours after the launch of the online booking platform, more than 250,000 people in Hong Kong had registered to travel to China, the government said.
