Hong Kong is in talks of declaring COVID-19 an 'endemic' disease, as per the top government pandemic advisers. Such an action would lead to the absolute abandonment of constraints, including isolation orders for infected patients.&nbsp;

A day after Macau declared the virus an endemic and eased many monitoring efforts, Hong Kong authorities shared similar plans.&nbsp;

Apart from the Special Administrative Regions (SAR), mainland China has relaxed restrictions. Isolation is no longer mandatory for people who tested positive, South China Morning Post reported.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/japan-tightens-covid-curbs-on-travellers-from-china-550404">Japan makes Covid test must for travellers from China, orders quarantine for those found infected</a>

Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-Chiu, said that the government would observe the situation closely before taking any decision. "I remind people here that the World Health Organization has not changed its classification of Covid-19. So we will also be watching for the possibility of variants developing," he said. However, he believes that the statistics and data indicate that the factors are under control.&nbsp;

Furthermore, government pandemic adviser Professor Ivan Hung Fan-Ngai from Hong Kong University backed mainland China's decision to declare COVID-19 an endemic due to the robust hybrid immunity amongst the citizens. Hung cited many figures and assured the country would treat COVID-19 as any other upper respiratory virus.

Watch|&nbsp;China posts 'Wolf Warrior' diplomat to border affairs

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In September 2021, pandemic adviser Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung published an article on COVID-19 that pointed towards the virus's deep-rooted presence in the country. However, masks are necessary to stop the spread of the virus, especially during the winter season, said Yuen.

"Masking is to protect the Hospital Authority from being overwhelmed because there is no immunity among children less than three years old," 
he said.

However, there's a difference of opinion amongst the pandemic advisors. For instance, Professor Lau Yu-lung believes that isolation should continue for a while as the country has opened its borders.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong is in talks of declaring COVID-19 an 'endemic' disease, as per the top government pandemic advisers. Such an action would lead to the absolute abandonment of constraints, including isolation orders for infected patients.

Hong Kong is in talks of declaring COVID-19 an 'endemic' disease, as per the top government pandemic advisers. Such an action would lead to the absolute abandonment of constraints, including isolation orders for infected patients. A day after Macau declared the virus an endemic and eased many monitoring efforts, Hong Kong authorities shared similar plans. Apart from the Special Administrative Regions (SAR), mainland China has relaxed restrictions. Isolation is no longer mandatory for people who tested positive, South China Morning Post reported. Also Read| Japan makes Covid test must for travellers from China, orders quarantine for those found infected Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-Chiu, said that the government would observe the situation closely before taking any decision. "I remind people here that the World Health Organization has not changed its classification of Covid-19. So we will also be watching for the possibility of variants developing," he said. However, he believes that the statistics and data indicate that the factors are under control. Furthermore, government pandemic adviser Professor Ivan Hung Fan-Ngai from Hong Kong University backed mainland China's decision to declare COVID-19 an endemic due to the robust hybrid immunity amongst the citizens. Hung cited many figures and assured the country would treat COVID-19 as any other upper respiratory virus. Watch| China posts 'Wolf Warrior' diplomat to border affairs In September 2021, pandemic adviser Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung published an article on COVID-19 that pointed towards the virus's deep-rooted presence in the country. However, masks are necessary to stop the spread of the virus, especially during the winter season, said Yuen. "Masking is to protect the Hospital Authority from being overwhelmed because there is no immunity among children less than three years old," he said. However, there's a difference of opinion amongst the pandemic advisors. For instance, Professor Lau Yu-lung believes that isolation should continue for a while as the country has opened its borders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China: After Macau, Hong Kong might declare 'COVID-19' as 'endemic' disease

Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee said that all virus-related measures would be cancelled apart from wearing masks which still remains mandatory.

Hong Kong to end most Covid rules apart from mandatory mask wearing

Hong Kong has announced a further easing of its social distancing rules, additionally the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result is also set to be scrapped.

Talking to the press before his visit to the Chinese capital Beijing, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed the relaxation adding that details would be provided at a health briefing later in the day.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion?

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Lee who will be on a "duty visit" from Wednesday to Saturday will reportedly update President Xi Jinping on the latest situation of Covid and the city's economy.

The Hong Kong leader as per the Standard promised to reflect Hong Kongers' hopes to reopen the border with mainland China. However, he did not say when that would happen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hotels-charging-covid-positive-guests-hundreds-of-dollars-in-cleaning-fee-540560">Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'</a>

"I believe the central government understands very much about Hong Kong residents' longstanding hopes for reopening the border and having exchanges in a normal manner," said Lee.

While the particulars of the curb relaxation are not known citing sources the Standard reported that in addition to the possible scrapping of the mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT test for entry to bars, banquets or joining local group tours, other restrictions like the number of people allowed at venues like cinemas, performance venues, theme parks may also be removed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-takes-away-much-criticised-covid-restrictions-542509">Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions</a>

Currently, as per the Strati Times, in Hong Kong masks remain mandatory in public places, arrivals are still subject to PCR tests and people visiting a bar have to produce a negative rapid antigen test. Additionally, only 240 people are allowed to attend a banquet.

This comes as China and Hong Kong battle a sudden surge in the number of Covid cases after the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. On Monday, hong Kong reported 15,00 new daily cases and 39 deaths. Last week the city&nbsp;also scrapped a mandatory Covid mobile application that was required to check in to most venues such as gyms, beauty salons and schools.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong has announced a further easing of its social distancing rules, additionally the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result is also set to be scrapped.

Hong Kong has announced a further easing of its social distancing rules, additionally the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result is also set to be scrapped. Talking to the press before his visit to the Chinese capital Beijing, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed the relaxation adding that details would be provided at a health briefing later in the day. Watch | Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion? Lee who will be on a "duty visit" from Wednesday to Saturday will reportedly update President Xi Jinping on the latest situation of Covid and the city's economy. The Hong Kong leader as per the Standard promised to reflect Hong Kongers' hopes to reopen the border with mainland China. However, he did not say when that would happen. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' "I believe the central government understands very much about Hong Kong residents' longstanding hopes for reopening the border and having exchanges in a normal manner," said Lee. While the particulars of the curb relaxation are not known citing sources the Standard reported that in addition to the possible scrapping of the mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT test for entry to bars, banquets or joining local group tours, other restrictions like the number of people allowed at venues like cinemas, performance venues, theme parks may also be removed. Also read | Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions Currently, as per the Strati Times, in Hong Kong masks remain mandatory in public places, arrivals are still subject to PCR tests and people visiting a bar have to produce a negative rapid antigen test. Additionally, only 240 people are allowed to attend a banquet. This comes as China and Hong Kong battle a sudden surge in the number of Covid cases after the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. On Monday, hong Kong reported 15,00 new daily cases and 39 deaths. Last week the city also scrapped a mandatory Covid mobile application that was required to check in to most venues such as gyms, beauty salons and schools. (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 announces further easing of COVID-19 curbs

The parliamentarians of opposition's Congress party are set to put forward adjournment notices to address Chinese attempts to intrude into Line of Actual Control in northeast India's state of Arunachal Pradesh in Tawang sector.&nbsp;Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues.&nbsp;Renewable sources of energy are forecasted to overtake coal as the largest source of electricity generation worldwide by early 2025, Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency said.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">China's LAC intrusion attempt set to rock Indian parliament</a>

<img src="http://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/13/317761-untitled-design-30.jpg" />

The clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector on December 9 has evoked strong political reactions in India. Amid the ongoing parliament session, Indian National Congress, the country's principal opposition party, &nbsp;urged the government to 'explain' to Beijing in a 'stern tone'.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-takes-away-much-criticised-covid-restrictions-542509">Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/13/317759-new-wion-1.png?imwidth=1920" />

Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues.&nbsp;Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away. Under&nbsp;this&nbsp;travellers were given an amber code on Hong Kong's&nbsp;app, which restricted their movement and they had to undergo a three-day medical surveillance period.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-2025-renewables-to-beat-coal-as-worlds-top-energy-source-iea-542502">By 2025, renewables to beat coal as world's top energy source: IEA</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/13/317743-untitled-design-29.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Renewable sources of energy are forecasted to overtake coal as the largest source of electricity generation worldwide by early 2025, Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency said. The forecast holds remarkable significance to keep alive the global goal of limiting Earth's warming temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-supporters-try-to-invade-police-hq-on-day-lula-is-certified-as-president-542493">Bolsonaro supporters try to invade police HQ on day Lula is certified as president</a>

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Brazil was marred by post-election violence Monday as supporters of far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro protested the arrest of an indigenous leader. They tried to force their way inside the federal police headquarters in Brasilia resulting in violent scenes. Images aired on television showed burned-out cars and a bus that had been sent on fire. Explosions could be heard in videos shared by federal police officers with Reuters. What appeared like rubber bullets could also be seen being fired in the videos.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-met-with-a-crowd-of-boos-at-dave-chapelles-on-the-eve-of-twitter-blue-relaunch-watch-542498">Elon Musk met with a 'crowd of boos' at Dave Chapelle's on the eve of Twitter blue relaunch. Watch!</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/13/317738-new-wion.png?imwidth=1920" />

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again.&nbsp;On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. The controversial billionaire took the stage yelling Chappelle’s famous Rick James impression: "I’m rich, b***h" reports CNN.&nbsp;

The parliamentarians of opposition's Congress party are set to put forward adjournment notices to address Chinese attempts to intrude into Line of Actual Control in northeast India's state of Arunachal Pradesh in Tawang sector.

The parliamentarians of opposition's Congress party are set to put forward adjournment notices to address Chinese attempts to intrude into Line of Actual Control in northeast India's state of Arunachal Pradesh in Tawang sector. Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues. Renewable sources of energy are forecasted to overtake coal as the largest source of electricity generation worldwide by early 2025, Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency said. Click on the headlines to read more: China's LAC intrusion attempt set to rock Indian parliament The clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector on December 9 has evoked strong political reactions in India. Amid the ongoing parliament session, Indian National Congress, the country's principal opposition party, urged the government to 'explain' to Beijing in a 'stern tone'. Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues. Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away. Under this travellers were given an amber code on Hong Kong's app, which restricted their movement and they had to undergo a three-day medical surveillance period. By 2025, renewables to beat coal as world's top energy source: IEA Renewable sources of energy are forecasted to overtake coal as the largest source of electricity generation worldwide by early 2025, Paris-headquartered International Energy Agency said. The forecast holds remarkable significance to keep alive the global goal of limiting Earth's warming temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Bolsonaro supporters try to invade police HQ on day Lula is certified as president Brazil was marred by post-election violence Monday as supporters of far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro protested the arrest of an indigenous leader. They tried to force their way inside the federal police headquarters in Brasilia resulting in violent scenes. Images aired on television showed burned-out cars and a bus that had been sent on fire. Explosions could be heard in videos shared by federal police officers with Reuters. What appeared like rubber bullets could also be seen being fired in the videos. Elon Musk met with a 'crowd of boos' at Dave Chapelle's on the eve of Twitter blue relaunch. Watch! Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again. On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. The controversial billionaire took the stage yelling Chappelle’s famous Rick James impression: "I’m rich, b***h" reports CNN.

Morning Brief: China's LAC intrusion attempt, Hong Kong's Covid restrictions and more

Amid fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in China, now Hong Kong leader John Lee has tested positive after returning from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. A statement said that Lee is undergoing quarantine.

"The Chief Executive is undergoing quarantine in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Centre for Health Protection," a government statement said.

In Thailand's capital Bangkok last week, Lee met with several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. His office said that he tested negative on rapid antigen tests for all four days he was there. The APEC summit was Lee's first overseas trip since the pandemic began. It was also his first foreign trip since assuming office as Hong Kong's chief executive in July.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-chief-executive-talks-of-luring-foreign-talent-in-inaugural-address-526643">Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee vows to lure foreign talent</a>

Besides Xi, Lee had met Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Vietnamese President Nguyen Phuc and several other senior officials at the forum.

On Friday, Lee could be seen sitting between Xi and Widodo, with all three unmasked.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has been trying to revive its status as an economic hub following a strict Covid policy which led to several businesses leaving. The APEC summit was also aimed at boosting Hong Kong's status.&nbsp;

In recent months, restrictions have been relaxed to invite companies and foreign talent into the country. Mandatory hotel quarantine has been scrapped and the number of compulsory tests for arrivals have been reduced. Attractive visa and financial incentives have been put in place for people to visit and work in Hong Kong.

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&nbsp;

However, masking is still mandatory in public places, with residents required to check-in on a government-run app at dining and entertainment venues.&nbsp;

Lee' s plans to continue to work from home during his mandatory isolation period. His office informed that members of his staff who travelled with him had tested negative.

Meanwhile, China&nbsp;is witnessing Covid-19 flare ups, from Zhengzhou in central Henan province to Chongqing in the southwest. For Sunday, it reported 26,824 new local cases, almost as much as the country's pandemic peak in April. Two people also died in Beijing, up from one on Saturday, which was&nbsp;China's first since late May.

Guangzhou is battling one of the largest recent outbreaks in the country.&nbsp;A five-day lockdown for its Baiyun district has been ordered. Dine-in services have been suspended and night clubs and theatres in Tianhe have also been shut.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Amid fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in China, now Hong Kong leader John Lee has tested positive after returning from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Amid fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in China, now Hong Kong leader John Lee has tested positive after returning from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. A statement said that Lee is undergoing quarantine. "The Chief Executive is undergoing quarantine in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Centre for Health Protection," a government statement said. In Thailand's capital Bangkok last week, Lee met with several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. His office said that he tested negative on rapid antigen tests for all four days he was there. The APEC summit was Lee's first overseas trip since the pandemic began. It was also his first foreign trip since assuming office as Hong Kong's chief executive in July. Also Read | Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee vows to lure foreign talent Besides Xi, Lee had met Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Vietnamese President Nguyen Phuc and several other senior officials at the forum. On Friday, Lee could be seen sitting between Xi and Widodo, with all three unmasked. Hong Kong has been trying to revive its status as an economic hub following a strict Covid policy which led to several businesses leaving. The APEC summit was also aimed at boosting Hong Kong's status. In recent months, restrictions have been relaxed to invite companies and foreign talent into the country. Mandatory hotel quarantine has been scrapped and the number of compulsory tests for arrivals have been reduced. Attractive visa and financial incentives have been put in place for people to visit and work in Hong Kong. × However, masking is still mandatory in public places, with residents required to check-in on a government-run app at dining and entertainment venues. Lee' s plans to continue to work from home during his mandatory isolation period. His office informed that members of his staff who travelled with him had tested negative. Meanwhile, China is witnessing Covid-19 flare ups, from Zhengzhou in central Henan province to Chongqing in the southwest. For Sunday, it reported 26,824 new local cases, almost as much as the country's pandemic peak in April. Two people also died in Beijing, up from one on Saturday, which was China's first since late May. Guangzhou is battling one of the largest recent outbreaks in the country. A five-day lockdown for its Baiyun district has been ordered. Dine-in services have been suspended and night clubs and theatres in Tianhe have also been shut. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong leader John Lee tests COVID-19 positive upon return from APEC summit

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China: After Macau, Hong Kong might declare 'COVID-19' as 'endemic' disease

Hong Kong to end most Covid rules apart from mandatory mask wearing

Hong Kong announces further easing of COVID-19 curbs

Morning Brief: China's LAC intrusion attempt, Hong Kong's Covid restrictions and more

Hong Kong leader John Lee tests COVID-19 positive upon return from APEC summit