Hong Kong has eased its rigid border controls after the restrictions put in place to control the Chinese territory’s worst coronavirus outbreak battered the economy and prompted residents to flee the city.

Carrie Lam, the city’s leader, said she would lift a flight ban from nine countries, including the US and UK, for Hong Kong residents and allow those travellers to quarantine in a hotel for seven rather than 14 days. The changes will take effect on April 1.

“Hong Kong’s isolation requirements for inbound travellers?.?.?.?could in turn adversely effect the local business environment, especially when the rest of the world has been moving towards relaxing [Covid policies],” Lam said on Monday. “There is a need for the economy to move forward.”