A BIG 'NI HAO' FROM WINNO IN HONG KONG

By Darren Winningham | Wednesday, April 26, 2023

“Ni Hao” from WINNO in Hong Kong – that means “hello” in Chinese!

And I am “Wo Hen Hao” – which means “I am very good” since arriving in a city that I love!

I have arrived in Hong Kong safe and sound. I was here in December, but this is the first time since 2019 that I will attand the FWD Champion’s Day race meeting (at Sha Tin on Sunday).

WINNO looks at the things that have changed in Hong Kong in the past four months!

With the world opening Hong Kong was one of the last nations to lift restrictions on travellers coming to the nation and the associated restrictions due to COVD-19.

International travellers are free to come to Hong Kong, and there are no more restrictions upon arrival!

Hong Kong has already dropped the vaccination requirement for locals and international arrivals. Unvaccinated residents and non-residents are now able to enter the city without restriction.

What is different since my last trip to Hong Kong in December:

1. On March 1 COVID-19 regulations have eased in Hong Kong.

2. Negative RAT or PCR test results before boarding are no longer required.

3. PCR testing on arrival and for the subsequent three days for international visitors has been abolished.

4. You can freely move around and explore all the incredible things to do in the city.

5. The mask-wearing mandate, the last main rule in place to fight against COVID-19, has been removed – not even required on flights entering and leaving the country.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has weathered the pandemic like many other businesses across the world. Crowds are returning while strong turnover has been maintained – an amazing achievement through this unprecedented period.

Vaccination rates in Hong Kong have exponentially taken off with around 95% of people having at least 1 vaccine – 94% having a second vaccine and with a third vaccine recommended it is dramatically increasing each day with those vaccinated now around the 85% mark.

Infection rates are controlled with only 3000 cases per day being recorded.

After a real issue with limited flights directly to Hong Kong from Australia, flights are slowly returning to Hong Kong with several carriers are flying to this wonderful vibrant city. QANTAS is now flying daily from Sydney to Hong Kong – direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane are still not active.

The one thing to note is the prices have dropped and are more affordable. Maybe start planning to come and attend the annual HONG KONG LONGINES International racing in December. Hopefully by then the flights to Hong Kong from other ports in Australia may be back in the air.

Finally, once again, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for arranging my transport and accommodation to cover the 2023 Hong Kong FWD Champions Race Day – it is humbling and much appreciated.

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