Hong Kong to ease restrictions in marked shift from zero-COVID

City says it will lift flight bans, cut quarantine period as frustration grows

Hong Kong is lifting a flight ban from nine countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, although only Hong Kong residents will be allowed to fly into the city. © AP

PAK YIU, Nikkei staff writer

March 21, 2022 15:35 JST

Updated on March 21, 2022 19:19 JST

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong on Monday laid out plans to cut back on some of the world's toughest virus restrictions, including lifting flight bans and shortening its quarantine period, in its most dramatic shift yet away from a zero-COVID policy.

The easing was embraced by some in the financial hub's embattled business community, and come as frustration boils over the tough measures, which have taken a bite out of Hong Kong's economy.