The Government announced today a mechanism for directors or executives of specified listed companies to apply for exemption from the compulsory quarantine arrangement.

It covers companies that are listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) and included in the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index or Hang Seng Composite LargeCap, MidCap or SmallCap Index.

In accordance with the amended Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation, the Chief Secretary may designate any person or category of people for exemption from quarantine if their travelling is necessary for purposes relating to business activities in the interest of Hong Kong's economic development.

During any calendar month, each of the listed companies or listing applicants can only nominate a maximum of two directors or executives for the exemption.

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau will process applications with the administrative support of the SEHK.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the exemption will facilitate directors or executives of sizable Hong Kong-listed companies to perform business activities that are essential to their operation such as attending shareholders' meetings and regulatory hearings, taking into account market demands and the business needs of individual companies.

After returning to Hong Kong, the exempted person will be subject to medical surveillance arranged by the Department of Health for 14 days.

Currently, travellers to the Mainland would still be subject to the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement imposed by Mainland authorities.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is discussing with Mainland authorities the mutual recognition of COVID-19 testing results conducted by recognised medical laboratories, with a view to exempting the quarantine requirement for Hong Kong travellers to the Mainland.