Hong Kong Government to allow reopening of gyms, amusement centres, cinemas and entertainment venues

Having experienced more than 16 consecutive days without a new local Coronavirus infection, authorities in Hong Kong will, as of tomorrow, start reopening most public entertainment venues and allow people to go out in groups of up to eight.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced on Tuesday that after more than a month of venue and business closures that successfully contained the spread of the Coronavirus, the time had arrived to ease some social-distancing measures.

The eight types of establishments allowed to reopen their doors as of Friday include fitness centres, gaming arcades, mahjong parlours, amusement and massage centres, beauty salons and cinemas. However, all venues will have to take precautions such as checking people’s temperatures before allowing them in.

In addition, as reported by the South China Morning Post, cinemas cannot be fully seated and beauty practitioners will need to wear face shields

Lam said bars can also resume operation but will be under strict requirements, such as limits on the number of customers and no musical performance.

Schools will start to resume classes gradually from 27th May.

Lam warned that there could be a resurgence of the COVID-19 spread and called on Hong Kong residents to stay alert.

Despite the partial relaxation, Hong Kong's social distancing measures that have been effective for more than a month and were due to expire on Thursday midnight will be extended for another two weeks, with some places of high contagion risks to remain closed, including karaoke lounges, party rooms and night clubs.

Image courtesy of ClassCruiser.