This Sept 5, 2017 photo shows the Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – All COVID-19 testing requirements for visitors to public hospitals in Hong Kong will be lifted starting Saturday, the Hospital Authority announced on Friday. 

This means visitors will no longer be required to present any proof of testing results before entering the wards.

Also, the daily rapid antigen testing requirement for clinical healthcare staff will be lifted, according to a government press release.

“In view of the fact that Hong Kong has resumed normalcy in full, the HA decided to lift all testing requirements for the convenience of patients and their families after considering infection control arrangements and the operation of hospitals,” said an HA spokesman. 

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For visitors, no prior appointment is required and the number of visitors has no limits. Visitors can take turns to visit but only two persons are allowed to enter the ward at the same time, according to the release. 

Patient feeding is also allowed, it added.

All patients, visitors, and staff are required to wear a surgical mask while entering hospitals or healthcare facilities as a means to minimize the risk of spreading virus and to protect patients from infection. 

Visitors have been reminded to clean their hands before entering and leaving the premises and pay attention to hand hygiene all the time.

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Those with symptoms should not visit public hospitals and should seek medical attention as soon as possible, the release added.