COVID-19 UPDATE - LATEST ENHANCEMENTS TO ANTI-EPIDEMIC MEASURES

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, yesterday (Mar 23) announced enhancements to the anti-epidemic measures in four aspects, responding quickly to the latest developments of the disease. Here are the major updates:

(1) Preventing imported cases and cutting the virus transmission chain

With effect from 0.00am on March 25 (Wednesday), tentatively for 14 days:
• All non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries and regions by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong;
• Non-Hong Kong residents coming from the Mainland, Macao and Taiwan will be denied entry to Hong Kong if they have been to any overseas countries and regions in the past 14 days;
• All transit services at Hong Kong International Airport will be suspended; and
• All travellers coming from Macao and Taiwan, including Hong Kong and non-Hong Kong residents, will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine, which is the same as the arrangements for people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland.

A small number of persons can be exempted from the above immigration restrictions and/or quarantine requirements, including:
• Macao residents who are registered under the Macao scheme under agreement between the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government that they will be immediately taken by coach back to Macao upon entry;
• Crew members of aircraft who need to commute to and from foreign places for performance of necessary duties or crew members of goods vessels;
• Government officials carrying out government duties including personnel of consular posts;
• Spouses and minor children of Hong Kong residents; and
• Personnel engaged in anti-epidemic work endorsed by the HKSAR Government.

(2) Early Identification of asymptomatic inbound travellers
All arriving persons from the UK, other countries in Europe and the US must have virus tests to identify infected but asymptomatic cases as early as possible.

(3) Stringent enforcement actions to combat breaches of quarantine orders
Law enforcement agencies will enhance enforcement and strictly combat offenders breaching quarantine orders, including setting up a hotline for members of the public to report such cases.

(4) Reducing social contacts and gatherings further
Introduce legislation to temporarily prohibit the sale and supply of alcoholic drinks by about 8 600 restaurants, bars and clubs with liquor licences in Hong Kong

Please refer to the press release for more details:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202003/24/P2020032400050.htm

Some handy links to government websites below for your reference please:

Website on the Fight Against the Coronavirus
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html

CHP's geospatial dashboard on coronavirus infections
https://chp-dashboard.geodata.gov.hk/nia/en.html

BrandHK Update Page
http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/WhatSOn/HKUpdate2019.html

=========================

Related News

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

VIETNAM'S MANUFACTURING STORY HAS CHANGED IN 2026

Vietnam is no longer attracting investment solely because of its competitive costs. Today, global manufacturers are increasingly choosing Vietnam for its expanding industrial ecosystem, resilient supply chains and growing role in high-value sectors such as semiconductors, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

Jul 24, 2026

BANKING / FINANCE / INSURANCE / TAX

VIETNAM NEEDS OVER $200BN FROM STOCK MARKET IN NEXT 5 YEARS

Speaking at the event, Bui Hoang Hai, vice-chairman of the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, said total investment demand in the 2026-30 period is estimated at VND38,000 trillion ($1.4 trillion). The state budget can only provide approximately VND8,500 trillion ($323 billion), or 20 percent, leaving the remaining 80 percent to be sourced from private and international capital.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

HUNG YEN BUILDS DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS TO DRIVE LONG-TERM GROWTH

From strengthening data infrastructure to developing AI platforms, Hung Yen province is enhancing governance capacity while laying the groundwork for the growth of its digital economy. Hung Yen, about 50-60km southeast of Hanoi, has maintained steady momentum in implementing its digital transformation agenda, creating a stronger foundation for the province to advance science, technology, and innovation.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

CHINESE INVESTMENT WAVE OPENS NEW DOORS

As Chinese companies move beyond factory relocation to ecosystem-driven investment, Vietnam has a rare opportunity to evolve from a low-cost production base into a strategic node in regional value chains. When global companies first diversified supply chains, the focus was largely on relocating manufacturing capacity.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIỆT NAM STEPS UP EXPORT TO ACHIEVE US$550-BILLION TARGET

Việt Nam is intensifying efforts to sustain export momentum in the second half of 2026 as the country works towards its target of US$550 billion in export revenue for the year, despite continuing uncertainties in global trade. Statistics show that exports reached $266.5 billion in the first six months, meaning the economy needs to generate around $245.5 billion more during the remainder of the year to meet the annual goal.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

ASIA POWERS VIETNAM’S SHRIMP BOOM, LEAVING THE WEST BEHIND

In the first half of 2026, Vietnam's shrimp exports surpassed the US$2.3 billion mark, driven largely by booming demand from China and a lobster craze. But behind that growth figure lies a lopsided picture: Asia is carrying the load, while the U.S. and Europe have yet to break out. These days, a container of frozen shrimp leaving a Ho Chi Minh City port is more likely to cross the East Vietnam Sea to Shanghai than the Pacific to Los Angeles.

Jul 23, 2026