Hong Kong eases COVID-19 test rules for bars and entertainment venues

Hong Kong eases COVID-19 test rules for bars and entertainment venues

People going to bars and entertainment venues in Hong Kong are no longer required to show a negative Covid-19 result from Thursday. Apparently, cinemas and theatres are reportedly allowed to run at full capacity as well.

For almost three years, Hong Kong has mainly essayed China's lead in combating the novel coronavirus.

After objections against restrictions that had held the virus active, China, during the last month, started to unwind its strict ‘zero-Covid’ rule of lockdowns and screening, but at a significant cost to both society and the second-largest economy across the world.

A week ago, Hong Kong stated that those entering the Chinese territory from Macau or other parts of mainland China will no longer be liable to Covid-19 travel controls or be denied access to specific locations.

Last week, the city administration also got rid of the Covid-19 mobile app, which was necessary to check in at most establishments, including gyms, spas, and schools.

Although Hong Kong has recently effectively relaxed many of its strict Covid-19 regulations, face masks are still compulsory in public areas while exercising, as well as a vaccine pass is still necessary to enter various places.

John Lee, city leader, stated on Tuesday that the administration was easing restrictions gradually to reduce dangers to the public's health.

Entertainment venues like theatres, museums, as well as theme parks have been running at 85% of capacity while patrons of bars and restaurants have been required to pass a negative test.

Starting Thursday, banquet facilities, pubs, and nightclubs will all be permitted to run at full capacity.

For the unversed, Hong Kong is fighting a surge of infections while the situation is easing. On Monday, the city recorded 39 deaths and over 15,000 new cases every day.

Health officials, however, claimed that things were beginning to settle.

The city expects a rise in demand for the public hospital system and also has the right to add staff and beds as needed.

Source credit: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-to-announce-more-covid-19-curb-relaxations-including-on-banquets