Hong Kong quarantine still the problem as Asian Breakdancing Championships cancelled – ‘0+3’ deemed no better
- Asia’s governing body had warned no one would come to compete under the old ‘3+4’ quarantine policy, and new ‘0+3’ rule still impedes preparations
- November 5 event at Queen Elizabeth Stadium has been axed, with local association hoping to try again in 2023
The road to the Paris Olympics for Hong Kong breakdancing remains hampered by Covid-19 restrictions, with November’s Asian Championships in the city being called off and the local association saying the end of hotel quarantine made little difference.
Asia’s first continental competition had been set to take place in Hong Kong on November 5, at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
It has been cancelled, and any suggestion that last week’s easing of Hong Kong’s border entry requirements could allow the city to stage the event this year after all has been dismissed by the Hong Kong DanceSport Association (HKDSA).
The government announced on Friday that the previous rule for incoming travellers of three days’ mandatory hotel quarantine followed by four days of medical surveillance – known as “3+4” – would be replaced by only three days of surveillance, or “0+3”.
“The Asia governing body had already told us that no dancers would come to Hong Kong under the ‘3+4’ quarantine system, but the new ‘0+3’ also does not help us,” said Jessica Siu Yue-pui, vice-president of the HKDSA’s breakdancing division.
Speaking after the second round of the Hong Kong team selection on Sunday, Siu said that the city still could not attempt to stage the event, because the limitations on movement during the three days’ medical surveillance would prevent arriving dancers being allowed to practise at venues.
