China will reopen its border with Hong Kong’s special administrative region on Sunday, the first time in three-years. This is to accelerate the demise of COVID rules that have hampered its economic growth.

Opening will allow for the return to quarantine-free travel between financial hubs and the mainland. However, it would be done in a “gradual, orderly” manner, China’s Hong Kong Affairs Office stated in a Thursday notice.

China will reopen its doors to the outside world on Sunday. It will welcome returning residents and international travelers without having to quarantine. This is despite the fact that the country has seen an increase in infections since it removed COVID curbs.

Hong Kong did not have to impose a lockdown across the entire city. It closely followed China’s zero-COVID policy up until 2022, when it started to relax some restrictions.

Although the COVID rules were dropped by the former British colony in December, masks are still required for exercise.

China and Hong Kong have been slower than most countries in lifting tough COVID precautions. The border reopening process was delayed several times in the past year due to COVID outbreaks.

John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, told reporters that a maximum number of 60,000 people per day could cross the border starting Jan. 8. To cross land borders, people would need to book online. Ferries and flights are subjected to ticket availability.

Lee stated that “Entry to mainland via Hong Kong is a realistic and possible option.” It will have a positive impact on the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and talent.

Lee stated that the government would make an announcement regarding border crossing arrangements between Hong Kong, Macau and Macau at a later time.

Hong Kong residents have been limited to only two check-points: one at Shenzhen Bay, and one via the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau bridge.

Since early 2020, most other border points have been closed including the West Kowloon high-speed rail terminus.

According to government data, there were more that 236 million passenger trips across China’s border each year before the coronavirus was discovered in China in late 2019.

China will no more require residents of Hong Kong to submit COVID test results upon their arrival on the mainland. However, China will issue special tourist and business visas to mainland residents who visit Hong Kong starting Jan. 8.

It also stated that China would increase its flights between Macau, Hong Kong, and the mainland.

Residents of Hong Kong have been flocking to clinics to get their COVID vaccines before the border reopens. This is due to fears that there will be an increase in both the number of infections and the demand for mRNA vaccinations that aren’t widely available on the mainland.