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Hong Kong has lifted its mask mandate, and as of 3/1/23 no longer requires residents or visitors to wear a face mask in all public places. The mandate was instituted in July 2020, and enforced with penalties of up to HKD 5000 (USD $640).
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee stated that the change is part of an overall assessment of risk factors, including not only COVID-19 but also the decline in local cases of flu and other respiratory viruses.
Even with the rollback, many locals are likely to continue to wear face masks, which is also common in Japan and South Korea. We experienced as much over the past few days in Tokyo, Japan, where about 95 percent of people wore a face mask, even outside.
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Hong Kong Travel Entry Requirements Still Include COVID-19 Testing
Note that visitors to Hong Kong arriving from overseas are still required to have negative results from either a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of their flight departing to Hong Kong, or a PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight to Hong Kong. The test results need to be photographed and retained for 90 days, per Hong Kong government guidelines. The testing requirements don't apply to children 2 years or younger on the date of arrival in Hong Kong. Travelers are subject to temperature checks on arrival, but may or may not be asked to provide their test results, and declaring test results via Hong Kong's electronic health declaration form is now voluntary.
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Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Our top luxury hotel recommendation remains the Four Seasons Hong Kong. During the pandemic, the hotel renovated its rooms and Grand Harbour View Suites as well as added new drinking and dining options, Gallery, serving specialty teas, coffees, and comfort food, and Argo, a modern cocktail bar that also serves a la carte breakfast and a buffet lunch. These are in addition to the hotel's three-Michelin-starred Caprice and Lung King Heen, two-Michelin-starred Sushi Saito, and Tempura Uchitsu. Among boutique luxury hotels, our top recommendation is The Upper House.
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