Hong Kong to scrap isolation rule for new COVID-19 cases

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s leader says the city will scrap its mandatory isolation rule for people infected with COVID-19 starting Jan. 30 as part of its strategy to return to normalcy. For most of the pandemic over the last three years, Hong Kong has aligned itself with mainland China’s “zero COVID” strategy, requiring those who test positive to undergo quarantine. Currently, infected people can isolate at home for five days. Chief Executive John Lee told lawmakers Thursday that the local community now has a strong “immunity barrier.” He said most infected people only have mild symptoms and the government should shift from a mandatory approach to one that allows residents to make their own decisions.