Lam Hopes Border Opens in December

There are hopes Hongkongers can go to Shenzhen next month

There is some cautious optimism that the border between Hong Kong and China may be opened as early as next month -- though there are restrictions and the key word is "gradual", according to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Hong Kong travellers will be able to go to the mainland -- but only to Guangdong province. 

"You cannot enjoy this quarantine-free travel directly to Beijing or Shanghai. It's logical because we start with the Greater Bay Area," she said.

Lam says the border reopening will be "gradual"

There will be a quota system of how many are allowed in, and priority will be given to those with business interests.

When asked to confirm if the border will open by the end of the year, Lam replied, "I hope very much so. But I just can't promise it. We are still in discussion."

Ah, there's the rub.

As much as Lam hopes the border will reopen, it is still beyond her control.

According to a mainland health official familiar with the negotiations, Hong Kong travellers would have to use the same contact-tracing app that is used in China and display the green health code issued by the city, indicating a low risk of Covid-19 infection.

"Travellers from Hong Kong could go to other cities in Guangdong province after arriving in Shenzhen if they have valid health codes and meet other requirements, which are being finalised," the official said.

"If the Hong Kong government manages a smooth roll-out of the system, we might see the first trial of such an arrangement in mid-December."

China's health code: green, yellow and red

The Chinese health code can store the travel history of users and generate a colour-coded warning system based on exposure risks to Covid-19 patients with green being low, yellow and red, meaning high risk and not eligible to enter.

Lam said better contact-tracing ability and a higher vaccination rate would help Hong Kong convince mainland health experts to support the resumption of quarantine-free travel.

Despite Hong Kong not having any local infections for 27 consecutive days, while China recorded 93 infections yesterday, it seems odd that Beijing still has the upper hand. 

Nevertheless, when Lam doesn't even know for sure when the border will open, that means it may not happen in December. 

Priority given to businesses first to cross border

And with restrictions even tighter in Beijing with the Winter Olympics less than 90 days away, the chances of Hongkongers getting into the capital are next to zero.

That's why the keyword is "gradual"...