In view of the latest developments of the epidemic situation, and after reviewing the relevant data, the Government announced today (September 9) the adjustments to the quarantine arrangements for air crew. The relevant arrangements will come into effect at 0.00am tomorrow (September 10).
      
     Under the adjusted quarantine arrangements, locally based air crew performing duties on passenger flights to/from overseas places or Taiwan are required to undergo a "test and hold" arrangement upon their arrival at Hong Kong International Airport. They may leave the airport after obtaining a negative result of the nucleic acid test. They are subject to regular testing after their return to the local community, so as to keep their health conditions under continued monitoring. The above arrangements are consistent with the prevailing arrangements applicable to locally based cargo crew.
      
     All locally based air crew members shall continue to comply with the closed-loop arrangements during their layover at outports in overseas places or Taiwan, in order to avoid contact with the community in those places. In addition, to further safeguard public health, these locally based air crew returning from overseas places or Taiwan will also continue to be subject to medical surveillance, including the requirements to avoid mask-off activities in public places, refrain from going to crowded places and mass gatherings, and keep a log of their activities until the third day following their arrival. The Government has requested airlines to put in place robust mechanisms to ensure their air crew's compliance with the medical surveillance requirements. Airlines will be held responsible to monitor and conduct checking on the activity logs of their air crew. In the event that airlines are found not to be exercising due diligence in compliance monitoring, or in case of non-compliance, the eligibility of the relevant air crew for the designated quarantine arrangements will be revoked.
      
     The Government emphasises that the above adjustments are made under a science-based and targeted approach for fighting the epidemic, as far as risks could be properly managed. According to the statistics, the number and proportion of positive cases involving arrival air crew were minimal, and were far lower than that the relevant numbers of general inbound travellers. Considering the latest epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the adjustments to the air crew quarantine arrangements should not bring significant additional risks to the local community. 
      
     The Government trusts that the adjustments will effectively facilitate airlines to enhance flight services between Hong Kong and other parts of the world, and enable Hong Kong to play its role as an international aviation hub for bringing convenience to travellers and businesses, and facilitating recovery of normal economic and social activities. The Government will continue to keep in view the local and global epidemic situation, and review and adjust the quarantine arrangements for air crew as and when appropriate.

Ends/Friday, September 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:55

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