Facing a new wave of Covid-19 infections, China took another step towards easing its pandemic-related restrictions when the Hong Kong leader on Saturday announced plans to reopen its borders with the mainland in mid-January.
At a press conference after returning from Beijing, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said authorities aim to reopen all entry points between the two sides “gradually, regularly and completely” and to ensure coordination with the Hong Kong government.
Currently, those hoping to enter the mainland via Hong Kong can only do so via the city’s airport or two access controls – Shenzhen Bay or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Visitors on the mainland also need to go through a hotel quarantine for a while to be able to move freely.
Hong Kong and Beijing closed their borders in early 2020, when Covid-19 first broke out, and have since remained closed as China restricts the arrival of travelers as part of its strict “Covid zero” policy.
Beijing eased local Covid-zero regime restrictions earlier this month, removing mandatory testing requirements and travel restrictions.
While many welcomed the mitigation, families and the health system were unprepared for the resulting increase in disease cases. Hospitals are struggling with bed shortages and low blood supplies, pharmacies are scrambling for medicines, and authorities are rushing to build new medical centers.
christmas covid
On Christmas Eve, Shanghai authorities urged residents to stay in their homes this weekend to contain the spread of the virus. The holiday is not traditionally celebrated in China, but it is common for young couples and some families to spend the holiday together.
Despite these warnings, the annual Christmas market in the Bund, a shopping district in Shanghai, was packed.
“My friends are all basically positive and everyone has basically recovered,” said Liu Yang, 23, who attended the event and works in IT.
Still, the spread of the Omicron variant is putting a strain on the festivities at other retailers and restaurants.
Jacqueline Mocatta, who works in the hospitality industry, said many restaurants in Shanghai have canceled their normally regular Christmas parties, while hotels are making limited reservations due to staff shortages.
“There’s just the right amount of clients we can get because of our manpower and most team members are uncomfortable right now,” he said.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.