Sources said the government will announce on Thursday afternoon the shortening of mandatory quarantine and isolation periods for Covid patients and their close contacts.

RTHK learnt that infected people can have their isolation cut from seven to five days if they show negative results from rapid tests for two consecutive days.

The same applies to close contacts of Covid patients: if they can provide negative rapid test results on the fourth and fifth day, they can end their mandatory quarantine.

Sources said authorities have also decided to reduce the number of daily rapid tests required for arrivals from seven to five.

But it was understood that social distancing measures and the face mask mandate will remain.