Hong Kong lists Egypt as high risk Covid hotspot

Increased restrictions will take effect from 20 April.

Travelers coming from Egypt will face tighter measure as the Hong Kong government identified the country as among the high-risk territories amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those who have stayed in Egypt within the last 21 days will be required to present a proof of a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 with a negative result, conducted within the 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure.

Passengers also need to present a confirmation of a room reservation in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for at least 21 days upon arrival.

The government made the move as the COVID-19 pandemic remains severe, citing that global new cases and deaths rose to 7.9m and over 138,000, respectively, in the last two weeks.

“Hong Kong cannot afford to drop its guard on entry prevention and control measures,” the Food & Health Bureau said.

Starting 20 April, Egypt will be amongst the Group B places or high-risk areas, along with Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Countries under Group A, or those identified as extremely high-risk are Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Group C countries include China and other countries not included in Group A, Group B, and Group D, which includes Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The announcement also comes after Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the government plans to shorten quarantine period for travelers arriving from low- to medium-risk countries.