The Government announced today (December 21) that in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Georgia and Panama will be specified as Group A specified places from 0.00am on December 24 to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
 
     As a preventive measure and with reference to the relevant risks, the Government will specify overseas places that have detected Omicron cases as Group A specified places. Noting that the detection of Omicron cases was confirmed in Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Georgia and Panama, the Government will specify them as Group A specified places from 0.00am on December 24. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record. They will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel for 21 days upon returning to Hong Kong, with six tests to be conducted during quarantine, followed by compulsory testing in a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival in Hong Kong.
 
     Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html.
  
     The Government will gazette the relevant updated specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to effect the above measures.

Ends/Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:53

NNNN