(ANSA) - ROME, DECEMBER 28 - Hong Kong aligns with the new rules of mainland China and from tomorrow abandons most of the anti-Covid restrictions: thus going from a city with the toughest restrictions in the world to semi-freedom.
The BBC reports that in 24 hours those arriving in the city will no longer have to undergo the mandatory molecular test.
The pass system for vaccines will also be abolished, however the rule of mandatory masks in public places remains.
And from tomorrow the rule that limited the number of people authorized to gather outdoors to 12 will also stop.
Hong Kong leader John Lee cited high vaccination rates as one reason for lifting restrictions: 93% of the population received two vaccines, while more than 83% received three.
Unlike mainland China, which developed its own vaccines, Hong Kong also used mRNA vaccines which proved more effective.
"Hong Kong has a sufficient amount of medicines to fight against COVID-19, and health workers have gained rich experience in dealing with the pandemic," Lee said.
He added that instead of the vaccination pass, the city will take "more targeted measures," including promoting vaccination for the elderly and children.
According to official numbers around 11,000 people have died from Covid in Hong Kong out of more than 2,
5 million cases.
(HANDLE).