The Government said today that it will allow foreign domestic helpers to undergo self-monitoring at licensed hotels or guesthouses after completing 14 days of compulsory quarantine.

It announced yesterday that starting February 5, the compulsory quarantine period for inbound travellers from overseas places will be adjusted to 14 days in designated quarantine hotels or designated quarantine facilities, to be followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period. 

In accordance with the above arrangement, foreign domestic helpers should undergo self-monitoring at the employer's residence and be subject to compulsory testing upon completion of the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement.

Understanding that some employers may wish to arrange their helpers to complete self-monitoring at licensed hotels or guesthouses due to considerations of the family situation or household environment, the Government will allow the helpers to do so.

However, such licensed hotels or guesthouses must not be serving designated quarantine hotels or designated quarantine facilities, so as to prevent cross-infection with people who are still undergoing the 14-day compulsory quarantine.

The Government explained that it is not necessary to make an application to the Labour Department, but the relevant arrangement should be mutually agreed upon by the employer and the helper.

Helpers are not allowed to undergo self-monitoring at places which are not the employer's residence apart from licensed hotels or guesthouses, it added.