Authorities extended a mandatory quarantine for all travellers coming to Hong Kong from the mainland, Taiwan and Macau. But people like key businessmen and students may be exempt.
Health experts said they weren't involved in making this decision, and a lawmaker said the government shouldn't give "special rights" to a few people to avoid virus regulations.
Scroll down for the full script.
(Aired on ViuTVSix on 29 April 2020)
Full Script:
Key business professionals will soon not have to do quarantine if they've come in from the mainland.
Soundbite, EDWARD YAU, Secretary for Commerce and Development
"The scheme that my bureau will roll out would cover Hong Kong businessmen having a production line in the mainland."
But there's a caveat.
"For the people who apply for this scheme, they will need to demonstrate that there is a genuine need for them to cross the boundary for their activities."
The commerce chief says the scheme should be open to applications next week.
Officials approved new amendments to the law:
so students and teachers who need to cross the border, and people doing business deemed beneficial to Hong Kong will be exempt from 14-days of quarantine.
Speaking on RTHK, Dr David Hui from the government expert panel for COVID-19 said experts weren't consulted in this decision.
And authorities have yet given any details about when these new measures would kick in.
Education chief Kevin Yeung said cross-border students will only be exempt after classes resume.
But roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien said the government's proposal isn't fair.
He believes there should be a standard rule that everyone coming in to Hong Kong should be tested for COVID-19 beforehand and not need to do quarantine.
Soundbite, MICHAEL TIEN Roundtable lawmaker)
"For example - if I went to Beijing for the upcoming NPC meeting, I would be tested three days before coming back to Hong Kong and have a certificate to prove I'm virus free. I think this is a fairer option for many people, who don't like the idea of special rights given to a select few."
Tien said he thinks officials shouldn't just focus on when and who gets exempt from regulations, but plan ahead for Hong Kong's gradual reopening after the virus.
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