Air crew and all other exempted people must wait for their COVID-19 test results at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) when entering the city via the airport from tomorrow.

Responding to media reports today, the Government said it will cancel the designation for Headland Hotel and Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel as designated holding locations for exempted people.

It explained that the revisions in designated holding locations were made in view of the shortened waiting time for test results at HKIA. The change also aims to further mitigate the risk of exempted people coming into contact with other people during the holding period.

From February 20, all people exempted from compulsory quarantine have been subject to the “test-and-hold” arrangement to undergo testing and wait for the result at HKIA or designated locations when entering Hong Kong via the airport.

Currently, Headland Hotel and Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel are two of the recognised designated holding locations.

The Government emphasised that the revision aims to minimise comprehensively the risk of community transmission brought about by the importation of cases, particularly those carrying virus variants.

All the airlines have been duly notified of this arrangement.