After scrapping the hotel quarantine, Hong Kong is taking baby steps to return to normalcy. The state has announced a new round of relaxations to its tight restrictions, which is good news for those in Hong Kong. By Tania Tarafdar
In a significant move, Hong Kong will now allow live entertainment in bars and clubs from October 20. In addition, Hong Kong’s COVID guidelines are now considering easing the cap on public gatherings to 12 people from the current four to return to normalcy. The government’s top advisers approved easing the cap on public gatherings. The new developments will benefit drinking and dining destinations in the city.
Hong Kong public gatherings restrictions, live music return to nightclubs
The Hong Kong government will relax the policies orderly and closely monitor the impact on the endemic after the relaxation. Should there be any surge in cases, the government might put the restrictions back in place. Besides nightclubs, bars and restaurants, museums, cinemas, and hotels could also host live performances, provided the performers took the PCR tests twice a week and a rapid antigen test right before getting on stage. The performers must also wear masks and maintain physical distance from the audience.
The 12-people cap on Hong Kong public gatherings will also apply to party rooms and karaoke lounges. What’s more, people can also eat and drink in outdoor areas and theme parks. Those caught gathering in groups of more than the permitted number must pay a fine of HKD 25,000 (INR 2,64,295) and imprisonment for six months. The only exemptions to the rule are when taking pictures with your family and friends during events as long as everyone wears masks.
Hong Kong will not minimise testing requirements
Surely, these developments are a huge relief to residents and travellers, but the government has no plans to minimise the Covid-19 testing requirements for arrivals. A three-day medical surveillance period would be mandatory for all inbound travellers. And while business leaders and political pundits expect some groundbreaking developments, further relaxation on the travel curbs is unlikely. Travellers will continue to undergo RT-PCR tests, given the emergence of new variants.
(Hero and feature image credit: Unsplash)
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore
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