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

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM’S AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS JUMP NEARLY 30% IN JANUARY

Vietnam’s exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products surged nearly 30% year-on-year in January 2026, driven by strong growth across major commodity groups and key export markets, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Export turnover for the sector in January is estimated at nearly US$6.51 billion, up 29.5% from the same period last year, the ministry said at a regular press briefing on February 5.

Feb 09, 2026

VIETNAM MONTHLY STATISTICAL DATA

INFOGRAPHIC SOCIAL-ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN JANUARY OF 2026

The monthly statistical data presents current economic and social statistics on a variety of subjects illustrating crucial economic trends and developments, including production of agriculture, forestry and fishery, business registration situation, investment, government revenues and expenditures, trade, prices, transport and tourism and so on.

Feb 09, 2026

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

PHUC VUONG DISTRIBUTES "TET REUNION" GIFTS: SENDING LOVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES

On the afternoon of February 6th, amid the busy year-end atmosphere, Phuc Vuong Company organized the "Tet Reunion – Spring Connection" gift-giving event right at the construction site. This annual activity aims to honor the "dream builders" who have dedicated themselves to the company's growth. The General Director was present to personally express his sincere gratitude and hand over meaningful Tet gifts to the workers.

Feb 09, 2026

HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS TO VIETNAM REACH NEW MONTHLY HIGH

International arrivals to Vietnam hit a new monthly record in January 2026, rising 21.4% from the previous month and 18.5% year-on-year, according to the National Statistics Office. Air travel continued to dominate, accounting for nearly 80% of all arrivals. Arrivals by land nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, while sea arrivals rose by about 30%, though they remained a small share.

Feb 09, 2026

PROPERTY / INDUSTRIAL ZONE

HCMC APPROVES 28 MORE LAND PLOTS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

HCMC has approved 28 out of 30 proposed land plots for pilot housing developments, covering a combined area of more than 750,600 square meters, according to a newly adopted resolution. The approved sites are spread across multiple wards and communes, with a strong concentration in the city’s southern and eastern areas.

Feb 09, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM SEES STEADY FDI DISBURSEMENT BUT SLOWER EXPANSION IN JANUARY

Foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursement in Vietnam rose in January, while newly registered capital fell sharply, pointing to stable project implementation but slower investment expansion. Data from the Ministry of Finance showed that January FDI disbursement increased 11.26% year-on-year to US$1.68 billion, reflecting continued execution and expansion of existing foreign-invested projects.

Feb 09, 2026