News
Hong Kong tightens travel curbs to combat COVID-zero
Residents and tourists returning from 16 countries are now considered “high-risk” due to the Delta outbreak
Hong Kong introduces tighter travel restrictions for incoming residents
Hong Kong appears to be caught between its COVID-zero policy and its strong desire to re-open after tightening travel restrictions for incoming travellers.
The move comes less than two months after the easing of tough quarantine measures, as fears grow regarding a resurgence in COVID-19 cases from the Delta variant.
Travel curbs are tightened for residents returning from 16 countries including the United States, France and Spain.
Initially these countries were considered “medium-risk” but are now upgraded to the “high-risk” category following recent outbreaks, a government spokesperson says.
“The global COVID-19 epidemic situation is under serious threat from the Delta variant, with acute surges in the number of confirmed cases within a short period of time in many countries.”
“Despite large-scale vaccination programmes, many places are also experiencing resurgence of the virus, which poses enormous challenges to our local anti-epidemic efforts.”
The new restrictions, taking effect from midnight August 20, means vaccinated residents returning from those countries must spend 21 days in hotel quarantine upon arrival.
The curb will also see unvaccinated residents and tourists denied entry into the region.
“After considering a basket of factors, the Government … has imposed more stringent boarding, quarantine and testing requirements on relevant inbound travellers in order to uphold the local barrier against the importation of COVID-19,” a government spokesperson says.
Prior to the update in restrictions, arriving residents and tourists who are vaccinated, only had to isolate in hotel quarantine for one week.
But the seven-day isolation period wasn’t enough for a returning resident from the United States who tested positive for the virus after completing their week-stay in quarantine.
“The Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation of various places and adopt a risk-based approach,” a government spokesperson says.
“[We will] adjust the boarding, quarantine and testing requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong from relevant places based on the risk levels as the situation warrants.”
Written by Rebecca Borg
News
Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.
Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.
Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.
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News
Trump escalates Greenland rhetoric as Davos leaders push back on sovereignty
Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.
Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.
President Trump has intensified his remarks over Greenland, claiming the U.S. is the only nation capable of ensuring peace in the Arctic, sparking sharp pushback from European leaders. His rhetoric, including hints at potential tariffs, comes as international attention turns to the strategic territory.
The debate has dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump confirmed plans to meet regarding Greenland following a positive conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, Greenland’s leadership has warned that the territory must be ready for potential military scenarios.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in from Davos, drawing a firm line on sovereignty, declaring Greenland’s independence non-negotiable. The unfolding standoff highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, with global powers increasingly staking their claims.
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News
OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.
The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.
The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.
Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.
This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.
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