The border between Hong Kong and China fully reopened for the first time in three years, on Monday (February 6), as the city’s main focus remains on a campaign to rebuild its economy and tourism after years of Covid-isolation. The opening marks a step in Hong Kong’s bid to rebuild its reputation of being a business hub which connects mainland China to the rest of the world. This comes after the city witnessed some of the strictest and comparatively long imposition of Covid-19-related restrictions.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has since dropped its daily quotas and testing requirements as well as opened all boundary checkpoints which have freed visitors from some of the world’s stringent Covid-19-related travel measures. Additionally, the city also dropped its mandatory Covid&nbsp;test that was required before travelling and lifted the ban on unvaccinated travellers from anywhere in the world. This comes days after Chief Executive John Lee unveiled a campaign which would revive Hong Kong’s economy and welcome back visitors which also aims to attract new investments.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-is-giving-away-free-air-tickets-heres-how-to-get-your-hands-on-them-558522">Hong Kong is giving away free air tickets. Here's how to lay your hands on them</a>

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, this also includes a bid to convince oil giant Saudi Aramco and its units to consider a secondary listing in Hong Kong. After the borders were opened the city saw a surge in the number of travellers where around 22,000 passengers used the previously closed border checkpoint at the Lo Wu station by Monday afternoon, said the city’s MTR Corp in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-fully-reopen-borders-with-hong-kong-macau-from-february-6-558540">China to fully reopen borders with Hong Kong, Macau from February 6</a>

Additionally, dozens of passengers stuck colourful post-it notes on a red wall outside the Lo Wu checkpoint while there were hundreds of red lanterns and large red banners outside the Shenzhen checkpoint to celebrate the resumption of services. The promotion campaign dubbed “Hello Hong Kong” also includes incentives like distributing 500,000 free flights to travellers which is yet to be done.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-begins-for-47-pro-democracy-voices-in-hong-kong-charged-under-draconian-national-security-law-559034">Trial begins for 47 pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, protests take place outside court</a>

According to a report by Bloomberg, mainland visitors to Hong Kong could rebound to 78 per cent of 2019 levels this year after the restrictions have been lifted. Last year, the city witnessed an uptick in the number of cases due to the omicron variant which also caused a wave of deaths among unvaccinated elderly and resulted in one of the deadliest outbreaks globally. This also comes on the day that the city begins its mass trial for prominent pro-democracy figures in what may be Hong Kong’s largest national security case to date.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The border between Hong Kong and China fully reopened for the first time in three years, on Monday (February 6), as the city’s main focus remains on a campaign to rebuild its economy and tourism after years of Covid-isolation.

The border between Hong Kong and China fully reopened for the first time in three years, on Monday (February 6), as the city’s main focus remains on a campaign to rebuild its economy and tourism after years of Covid-isolation. The opening marks a step in Hong Kong’s bid to rebuild its reputation of being a business hub which connects mainland China to the rest of the world. This comes after the city witnessed some of the strictest and comparatively long imposition of Covid-19-related restrictions. Hong Kong has since dropped its daily quotas and testing requirements as well as opened all boundary checkpoints which have freed visitors from some of the world’s stringent Covid-19-related travel measures. Additionally, the city also dropped its mandatory Covid test that was required before travelling and lifted the ban on unvaccinated travellers from anywhere in the world. This comes days after Chief Executive John Lee unveiled a campaign which would revive Hong Kong’s economy and welcome back visitors which also aims to attract new investments. ALSO READ | Hong Kong is giving away free air tickets. Here's how to lay your hands on them According to a report in the South China Morning Post, this also includes a bid to convince oil giant Saudi Aramco and its units to consider a secondary listing in Hong Kong. After the borders were opened the city saw a surge in the number of travellers where around 22,000 passengers used the previously closed border checkpoint at the Lo Wu station by Monday afternoon, said the city’s MTR Corp in a statement. ALSO WATCH | China to fully reopen borders with Hong Kong, Macau from February 6 Additionally, dozens of passengers stuck colourful post-it notes on a red wall outside the Lo Wu checkpoint while there were hundreds of red lanterns and large red banners outside the Shenzhen checkpoint to celebrate the resumption of services. The promotion campaign dubbed “Hello Hong Kong” also includes incentives like distributing 500,000 free flights to travellers which is yet to be done. ALSO READ | Trial begins for 47 pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, protests take place outside court According to a report by Bloomberg, mainland visitors to Hong Kong could rebound to 78 per cent of 2019 levels this year after the restrictions have been lifted. Last year, the city witnessed an uptick in the number of cases due to the omicron variant which also caused a wave of deaths among unvaccinated elderly and resulted in one of the deadliest outbreaks globally. This also comes on the day that the city begins its mass trial for prominent pro-democracy figures in what may be Hong Kong’s largest national security case to date. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong-China border reopens for the first time in three years as city looks to rebuild economy

Countries are coming up with proactive responses against the covid surge in China. Belgium has now announced that it will test wastewater from planes arriving from covid-hit China.

Belgium to test wastewater on airlines arriving from Covid-hit China

China is once again on high alert as the number of COVID-19 cases have increased significantly in the past few days. Shanghai, a part of China which saw tough lockdowns earlier this year, has already reported 38 new infections and the authorities have decided to once again impose restrictions.

With the Communist Party Congress just around the corner, the country is currently looking to stop any potential wave of infections and ahead of President Xi Jinping’s possible re-election for a third term, it is extremely important for the authorities to prove the validity of the Covid Zero system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-offers-to-redirect-nord-stream-gas-flows-through-hub-in-turkiye-525126" hreflang="en">Putin offers to redirect Nord Stream gas flows through 'hub' in Türkiye</a>

As a result, the financial hub saw closure of schools and all entertainment venues – including cinemas, bars and gyms. According to Financial Times, all classes will be online for the foreseeable future and the citizens were instructed to not form queues anywhere in the city for the few days.

While an official lockdown has not been announced, five districts imposed strict restrictions when it comes to movement of the citizens, and they also restricted certain public transports.

WATCH |&nbsp;China's Covid Policy: Despite stringent curbs, Covid cases rise in China

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The looming fear of lockdown caused a bit of panic among the people of Shanghai as they took to social media to talk about the situation. Earlier, a number of people complained about the hygiene and living conditions of quarantine centers and citizens are wary of a repeat of the situation.

In the aftermath of the restrictions, several shopping centres and major shops in Shanghai saw a huge rise in footfall as people were determined to stock up as quickly as possible.

China is once again on high alert as the number of COVID-19 cases have increased significantly in the past few days. Shanghai, a part of China which saw tough lockdowns earlier this year, has already reported 38 new infections and the authorities have decided to once again impose restrictions.

China is once again on high alert as the number of COVID-19 cases have increased significantly in the past few days. Shanghai, a part of China which saw tough lockdowns earlier this year, has already reported 38 new infections and the authorities have decided to once again impose restrictions. With the Communist Party Congress just around the corner, the country is currently looking to stop any potential wave of infections and ahead of President Xi Jinping’s possible re-election for a third term, it is extremely important for the authorities to prove the validity of the Covid Zero system. Also read | Putin offers to redirect Nord Stream gas flows through 'hub' in Türkiye As a result, the financial hub saw closure of schools and all entertainment venues – including cinemas, bars and gyms. According to Financial Times, all classes will be online for the foreseeable future and the citizens were instructed to not form queues anywhere in the city for the few days. While an official lockdown has not been announced, five districts imposed strict restrictions when it comes to movement of the citizens, and they also restricted certain public transports. WATCH | China's Covid Policy: Despite stringent curbs, Covid cases rise in China The looming fear of lockdown caused a bit of panic among the people of Shanghai as they took to social media to talk about the situation. Earlier, a number of people complained about the hygiene and living conditions of quarantine centers and citizens are wary of a repeat of the situation. In the aftermath of the restrictions, several shopping centres and major shops in Shanghai saw a huge rise in footfall as people were determined to stock up as quickly as possible.

Shanghai imposes fresh restrictions as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

As the new covid variant Omicron gets detected across the world, governments are rushing to get the unvaccinated inoculated and the vaccinated gets the booster job. Germany has announced that it will impose curbs on those who are not vaccinated.

Germany imposes new covid-19 restrictions as cases surge

Spain has ended a six-month-long national state of emergency and consequently the local curfew. Teenagers and young adults poured into the streets to celebrate the relaxation of restrictions.

Spain: Barcelona residents celebrate end of emergency

Thousands of worshippers took to the streets of Bakhdida town in the Christian district of Hamdaniya to mark Palm Sunday despite COVID-19 fears.

Thousands of Iraqis celebrate Palm Sunday despite COVID-19 restrictions

Spain’s prime minister on Saturday condemned a series of violent protests in cities across the country against restrictions imposed to curb the surge of COVID-19 after a six-month state of emergency came into effect this week.

Riot police shot blank bullets to try to disperse scores of protesters who were setting fire to rubbish bins in Madrid’s main thoroughfare Gran Via.

Meanwhile, demonstrators pelted police with rocks and other projectiles in Barcelona in a second night of disturbances in Spain’s second-largest city.

In the northern Spanish city of Logroño, about 150 people attacked police with stones, set fire to containers and looted shops, police reported. Riot police were drafted in to quell disturbances in Haro, in the wine-growing region of La Rioja.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugal-reimposes-partial-lockdown-in-most-of-the-country-339375" hreflang="en">Portugal reimposes partial lockdown in most of the country</a>

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: “Only from responsibility, unity and sacrifice will we be able to defeat the pandemic that is devastating all countries. Violent and irrational behavior by minority groups is intolerable. It is not the way.”

On Friday, about 50 demonstrators attacked police with stones in Barcelona, set rubbish containers on fire and looted shops. Fourteen people were arrested and 30 injured.

Earlier, local police said about 1,500 hotel and restaurant workers took part in a peaceful demonstration against restrictions imposed under the state of emergency which they claim will threaten their jobs. All bars and restaurants have been closed in the Spanish region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, until November 13.

Similar disturbances happened in the cities of Burgos, Vitoria, Santander, Valencia and Zaragoza on Friday.

Spain, one of the hardest-hit countries by COVID-19, this week imposed a state of emergency until early May, giving regions legal backing to decide curfews and restrict travel to try halt the rise of coronavirus infections.

Like other European countries, Spain has resorted to increasingly drastic measures to curb infections, although less stringent than those adopted by Germany or France.

Spain’s prime minister on Saturday condemned a series of violent protests in cities across the country against restrictions imposed to curb the surge of COVID-19 after a six-month state of emergency came into effect this week.

Spain’s prime minister on Saturday condemned a series of violent protests in cities across the country against restrictions imposed to curb the surge of COVID-19 after a six-month state of emergency came into effect this week. Riot police shot blank bullets to try to disperse scores of protesters who were setting fire to rubbish bins in Madrid’s main thoroughfare Gran Via. Meanwhile, demonstrators pelted police with rocks and other projectiles in Barcelona in a second night of disturbances in Spain’s second-largest city. In the northern Spanish city of Logroño, about 150 people attacked police with stones, set fire to containers and looted shops, police reported. Riot police were drafted in to quell disturbances in Haro, in the wine-growing region of La Rioja. Also read| Portugal reimposes partial lockdown in most of the country Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: “Only from responsibility, unity and sacrifice will we be able to defeat the pandemic that is devastating all countries. Violent and irrational behavior by minority groups is intolerable. It is not the way.” On Friday, about 50 demonstrators attacked police with stones in Barcelona, set rubbish containers on fire and looted shops. Fourteen people were arrested and 30 injured. Earlier, local police said about 1,500 hotel and restaurant workers took part in a peaceful demonstration against restrictions imposed under the state of emergency which they claim will threaten their jobs. All bars and restaurants have been closed in the Spanish region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, until November 13. Similar disturbances happened in the cities of Burgos, Vitoria, Santander, Valencia and Zaragoza on Friday. Spain, one of the hardest-hit countries by COVID-19, this week imposed a state of emergency until early May, giving regions legal backing to decide curfews and restrict travel to try halt the rise of coronavirus infections. Like other European countries, Spain has resorted to increasingly drastic measures to curb infections, although less stringent than those adopted by Germany or France.

Protesters against COVID-19 restrictions clash with police in Spanish cities

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Monday impose a tiered system of further restrictions on parts of England as the COVID-19 outbreak accelerates, though anger is rising at the cost of the stringent curtailment of freedoms.

UK PM Boris Johnson to unveil three-tier lockdown plan

UK PM Boris Johnson to impose further COVID-19 restrictions

Europe is now seeing a surge in Coronavirus cases forcing many contries to announce fresh restrictions. Infections have climbed steadly across most of Europe in the last two months.

Europe announces new COVID-19 restrictions as cases increase

World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of “alarming rates of transmission”, countries across Europe have begun rolling out new restrictions to curb the spread of the deadly infection.

Rate of COVID-19 transmission in Europe is alarming: WHO

Far-right extremists tried to storm the German parliament building during a protest against the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Extremists were intercepted by police and forcibly removed.

Berlin: 'Anti-Corona' protests snowball into far-right protests

Berlin: 'Anti-Corona' protests snowball into far-right protests, extremists try to storm govt. building

Over 38,000 of people have protested in the German capital Berlin against Coronavirus restrictions. Protesters said that they are defending their democratic freedom, Berlin police arrested hundreds of them.

Berlin: Thousands march to protest against COVID-19 restrictions