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Header images courtesy of Yung Chi Wai Derek and WR Studio (via Shutterstock)
With everything in flux, it’s hard to keep tabs on what’s closed and what’s not given the government’s ever-changing social distancing guidelines. We’ve dug through public information and official government announcements to compile all you need to know about what you can and cannot do in a handy table for your reference.
From 5 May, the number of people allowed per table in a restaurant will be adjusted to eight diners. Gazetted beaches and swimming pools will reopen. Masks will not be required when conducting strenuous physical activity outdoors and when present in country parks. From 19 May, bars, clubs, and karaoke rooms will be allowed to reopen till 2 am. Restaurants can extend service hours to midnight. Cinemas can increase their maximum capacity to 85 percent and eating and drinking will be allowed in cinemas.
Place | Guidelines | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
Outdoors (all spaces) | Masks on at all times Do not gather in groups of more than four people Groups have to be at least 1.5 metres apart | Can take off mask for exercise outdoors and when in country parks |
Indoors (public spaces) | Masks on at all times Do not gather in groups of more than four people | Can take off mask when exercising indoors in premises and fitness centres which meet the air change requirement |
Note: The maximum penalty for flouting these government regulations is a $25,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.
Type | Open? | Guidelines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Restaurants and cafés | Yes | Eight people per table max. from 5 May Dine-in hours are extended till midnight from 19 May | Must have your temperature taken upon entering and vaccination record scanned |
Bars and pubs | No, but open from 19 May | Four people per table max. from 19 May Opening hours will be extended till 2 am from 19 May | Vaccine Pass will continue to be implemented |
Below are guidelines for government-run public facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). For the record, hikes and cycling paths were never closed before at any point and remain available, though do check first here for hikes in country parks.
| Type | Open? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis courts, bowling greens, roller, and skateparks | Yes | Ngau Chi Wan Park Archery Range, Shek O Obstacle Golf Course, Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre are also open |
| Running tracks in sports grounds | Yes | N/A |
| Beaches | Yes | Barbeque pits remain closed |
| Sport centres | Yes | N/A |
| Pools | Yes | N/A |
| Soccer pitches, basketball courts, children's play, and outdoor exercise equipment | Yes | N/A |
| Libraries | Yes | N/A |
| Museums | Depends | Can operate at 85 percent capacity max. from 19 May Check with individual museums before heading out for their opening policies |
| Performance venues | Depends | Can operate at 85 percent capacity max. from 19 May Live performance and dancing activity not allowed in catering premises, bars, and pubs |
Type | Open? | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
Barbershops and hair salons | Yes | Staff members and customers must wear a mask at all times |
Nail salons | Yes | Staff members and customers must wear a mask at all times |
Beauty and massage parlours | Yes | Clients and equipment must maintain 1.5-metre distance Staff members and customers must wear a mask at all times |
Gyms | Yes | Masks are no longer required when exercising in gyms that meet the air change requirement, from 19 May Equipment will be set 1.5 metres apart with partitions in place Sauna facilities remain closed |
Ice-skating rinks | Yes | N/A |
Bathhouses | No, but open from 19 May | N/A |
| Type | Open? | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
Cinemas | Yes | Can operate at 85 percent capacity max. from 19 May Food and drinks will also be allowed in cinemas from 19 May |
| Hotels | Yes | N/A |
Mahjong parlours | No, but open from 19 May | N/A |
| Arcades | No, but open from 19 May | N/A |
| Karaoke | No, but open from 19 May | N/A |
| Party rooms | No, but open from 19 May | N/A |
| Disneyland and Ocean Park | Yes | Ocean Park will open six days a week (except Tuesdays). Online reservation will be required in advance before attending both parks |
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your “local eyes”—and for that, you need two i’s.
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