Regarding the announcement made by the Guangdong (GD) Provincial Government tonight (July 16) on the adjustment of the prevention and control measures for persons entering Guangdong from Hong Kong, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) expressed understanding and will make corresponding arrangements to ensure the smooth implementation of the new measures. The Government noted that following the commencement of summer holiday and as the local epidemic situation turns severe recently, some people in Hong Kong may wish to go north to Guangdong which unduly overburdened the Mainland boundary control points and health quarantine facilities. In light of the situation, the Governments of GD and HKSAR have been in discussion in the spirit of joint prevention and control to fight against the epidemic in both places. 
 
     The Government urged members of the public to pay attention to and ensure that they can meet the new requirements when travelling to Guangdong to avoid hiccups when crossing the border. They should particularly pay attention to the requirement of the COVID-19 nucleic acid test, that is, save for persons who received prior approval by GD for performing essential official and business duties, cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers, cross-boundary students, as well as persons who fall under the mutual recognition of compulsory quarantine by GD, Hong Kong and Macao, all other persons would be required to present a valid proof of a valid negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued by one of the testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government  (The designated testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government is at Annex.). The negative test result would only be considered valid if it is within 72 hours from the date of collecting samples.
 
     The Government spokesman said, "Before departure to GD, members of the public must bring along the valid proof of negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result, or otherwise they will be refused entry into GD. When they re-enter Hong Kong after being refused of entry in the Mainland, they will be subjected to compulsory quarantine of 14 days pursuant to the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C). Members of the public should pay extra attention to avoid such a situation."
 
     Last but not least, the Government called on members of the public again to avoid going out, keep social distance and avoid dining out in view of the severe epidemic situation. People should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. They are also urged to seek medical attention early even if mild symptoms develop to help prevent the spread of the disease in the community.

(Note: The updated list of the designated testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government has been posted on the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" for reference.)

Ends/Thursday, July 16, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:51

NNNN