HONG KONG (REUTERS) – Hong Kong senior executives of financial companies and their overseas affiliates who are fully vaccinated can now apply for an exemption from the three-week compulsory quarantine, the city’s markets watchdog said.

A maximum of two senior executives per each financial company licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and two of their overseas affiliates who need to travel in and out from Hong Kong for managing the company can apply for the exemption, according to the statement released late on Friday (May 28).

To apply for the exemption, they need to provide a copy of their identity card or passport photo page, details of the trip and a Covid-19 vaccination record and send it to SFC at least five days before the business trip.

SFC issues licences to companies such as asset managers, investment banks and securities brokerages.

Successful applicants are allowed to attend only the activities listed in the details of the trip and are required to self isolate at the accommodation sponsored by the company.

Those who breach the conditions will lose their exemption and will be sent to a compulsory quarantine centre for 21 days.

If they are convicted, they will receive six months’ jail and a fine of HK$5,000 (S$850).

Hong Kong has one of the world’s strictest Covid-19 quarantine restrictions. Currently, crew members of aircraft and government officials are among the few exempted from the compulsory quarantine.

The Hong Kong government and financial regulators have previously warned the slow take up of vaccinations in the city could undermine its status as a financial centre.

About 1.3 million people, or roughly 20.1 per cent of the city’s population, have received their first vaccination doses. 

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong stands at 11,838, according to the Centre for Health Protection.

More on this topic

Join ST’s Telegram channel here and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Source: Read Full Article