In transit: Traveling
amidst the pandemic

By Lorenzo Corro

Photos taken in Hong Kong

Strict protocols and measures to prevent the proliferation of COVID-19 continue to be implemented in Hong Kong. Restrictions and policies on travel are rigorous yet efficient, aiding in maintaining the country’s Tier 1 status in Deep Knowledge’s COVID-19 safety rating and making Hong Kong the 13th safest country as of January 2021.

Hong Kong was one of the countries to first experience the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 due to its proximity to the outbreak’s epicenter. The government’s response through quarantine protocols yielded a gradual decrease in COVID-19 infections, allowing businesses and services to operate so long as they adhere to said regulations.

Transportation services like buses, trains, taxis, and planes continue to operate normally, but with compliance to additional guidelines to prevent further infections.

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Normally, the Hong Kong International Airport is packed with people, especially during the Christmas season. However, the same cannot be said for the year of 2020. There are often more airport staff than there are non-airport personnel.

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Traveling overseas is done very carefully; it is common to see passengers fully covered in PPEs. Airlines provide sanitary wipes and face masks on board as well. Passengers are often socially distanced on board to prevent person-to-person transmission during a flight.

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Passengers entering Hong Kong are required to undergo COVID-19 testing before reaching eligibility to purchase flight tickets. Upon landing at the airport, passengers undergo an additional COVID-19 test and a verification process for their documents. COVID-19 test results are often released around 8 hours upon a passenger’s arrival. Passengers who test negative undergo immigration and baggage claim processes as usual, whereas those who test positive are sent to the hospital.

Passengers are prohibited from taking public transportation—except for taxis—to their residence where they shall remain for 21 days. The Hong Kong government, through the Stay Home Safe application, enforces this mandatory quarantine in a strict manner. Through this platform, arriving passengers are linked to a tracking device before departing from the airport.

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Despite strict airline regulations, ground transportation is quite relaxed in terms of social distancing policy. Trains and buses are often crowded, while sitting beside another commuter is permitted.

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The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over but let the protocols surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong serve as an example in the efforts to increase efficiency and functionality within a global crisis.