The government’s decision to halve the number of compulsory PCR tests for airport arrivals to two will not affect the local epidemic, said infectious disease expert Leung Chi-chiu. He also said the variant cases found locally, especially for the XBB and BQ1.1 variant strains, are way higher than in imported cases. The PCR test upon travelers’ arrival is only a measure to help authorities detect if there were any new variants slipping through the borders, while the PCR test requirement could be replaced with rapid tests after travelers enter our community, Leung added. The microbiologist said travelers are required to be vaccinated and must obtain negative RAT results before boarding, which warrants authorities to cancel the medical surveillance and amber code arrangements. However, he said the vaccine pass arrangement should be retained to help boost the vaccination rate and prevent unvaccinated individuals from entering high-risk venues.

Source: The Standard November 19, 2022 01:08 UTC