Taiwan is set to reopen its borders to Hong Kong and Macau residents as part of a further easing of its Covid-19 prevention measures. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said Hong Kong and Macau residents can apply for temporary stay permits in Taiwan starting February 20. Liang Wen-chieh, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister, said the reopening to Hong Kong residents has been under evaluation for a long time. He even apologised to Hongkongers who have not come to Taiwan for Valentine’s Day. Travellers from the mainland still face restrictions. Liang is hoping that cross-Strait relations will bloom in the spring. Liang added that to reopen travel, they must be certain of their ability to control and assess the Covid situation.