From July 16, Russia will be listed as a Group A2 specified place and quarantine requirements for people arriving from that country will be tightened, the Government announced today.

The decision was made in view of the recent rebound of the epidemic situation in Russia and a number of cases with the L452R mutant virus strain detected by tests from arrivals who have stayed there.

All people who have stayed in any Group A2 specified place on the day of boarding for Hong Kong or during the 21 days before have to present at boarding a negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before the aircraft’s scheduled departure time.

They must also present the confirmation of a room reservation for 21 nights in a designated quarantine hotel in Hong Kong. The boarding and hotel reservation requirements have to be observed regardless of being fully vaccinated or not.

On arrival, they will be subject to the test-and-hold arrangement at the airport. On confirmation of negative test results, they must proceed to the designated quarantine hotels for 21-day compulsory quarantine via the designated transport arranged by the Government.

They will undergo four tests during the compulsory quarantine period, to be followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period as well as compulsory testing on the 26th day of arrival at any community testing centre.        

The Government will gazette the relevant updated specifications under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances & Travellers) Regulation.