China reopens its borders after three years amid surge in Covid cases, allowing families to reunite
Travellers arriving in China from abroad and Hong Kong are no longer required to undergo weeks of quarantine, part of the zero-Covid policy aimed at shielding the population from the virus which also cut them off from the rest of the world. At the Beijing Capital International Airport, families and friends exchanged emotional hugs and greetings with passengers arriving from places such as Hong Kong, Warsaw and Frankfurt, meetings impossible just a day earlier.
“I’ve been looking forward to the reopening for a long time. Finally we are reconnected with the world. I’m thrilled, I can’t believe it’s happening,” said a businesswoman, 55, who flew in from Hong Kong. After years of separation from his wife in mainland China, Hong Kong resident Cheung Seng-bun was among the first in line at Lok Ma Chau station. “I’m hurrying to get back to her,” he said.Travellers wait in line to cross the Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint