Hong Kong will look into shortening COVID-19 quarantine requirements for travellers, while still aiming to curb the spread of the virus and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed, John Lee, the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said.

Lee has just taken over as the city’s chief executive. “I am conscious of the need for Hong Kong to remain open and convenient to travelers, but it is also important that we address the risks at the same time,” Lee said.

Hong Kong still imposes a seven-day hotel quarantine on arrival, at the traveler’s own cost. The new administration is also working on Hong Kong’s local national security law, and will introduce it as soon as possible, he added.

During his campaign, Lee had said it was one of his priorities to enact legislation required by Article 23 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, which would complement the national security law adopted by Chinese lawmakers. Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Hong Kong government shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition or subversion against the central government.