Hong Kong Social Distancing Rules For Covid-19: What You Can And Can’t Do
Although until now Hong Kong has had a good hold on containing the Covid-19 outbreak, after a third wave began to spread across the city in July, the government announced a range of new social distancing rules.
Limitations are currently in place for group gatherings, dining in at restaurants and many businesses remain closed––including gyms, sports grounds and bars. If you’re left feeling a little confused by the new restrictions and changes to the rules, here we list exactly what you can (and can't) do in Hong Kong.
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This article was originally published on July 14, 2020 and was updated on July 30, 2020.
Group gatherings
As a result of the new social distancing rules, group gatherings have been limited to two people. These measures are currently in place for seven days starting from July 29. However, family members from the same household are exempt from this rule.
The only exception to the new rule for gatherings is on public transport, hospitals, office buildings and funerals––but wearing a face mask has now been made mandatory in both indoor and outdoor setting, including when exercising and in venues such as shopping centres, building lobbies, shops, supermarkets and parks––with a maximum penalty in place of $25,000 if an individual fails to wear a mask.
See also: 10 Stylish Face Masks To Wear Now
Restaurants
Since July 15 dining in restaurants has been restricted, with dine-in services banned between 6pm and 5am. And although these restrictions were tightened on July 29, to ban eating in entirely––as of July 31, restaurants will be allowed to operate dine-ins during the day between 5am and 6pm. During these hours restaurants will have operate at half capacity, with tables capped at two people maximum.
While we're hoping these new restrictions will only be for the short term, be sure to look at our guide on how to support Hong Kong restaurants now. We've also got plenty of recommendations on where to order takeaway and delivery from, including the best breakfasts, lunchboxes and desserts to get delivered if you are still choosing to dine at home.
See also: Your Guide To Restaurant And Bar Operations During Hong Kong’s Dine-In Ban
Bars
Bars have been shut since 15 July and will be required to stay closed as the city tries to curb the rate of infections. The latest updates to the rules will be in place for seven days, at least. This includes nightclubs, party rooms and karaoke bars.
If you want to enjoy a drink at home, we’re listing the alcohol delivery services that will bring the drinks to you, along with the best bottled cocktails you can order for takeaway.
Gyms
Along with bars across the city remaining closed, gyms and fitness centres are also included in the restrictions to battle Hong Kong's third wave.
Outdoor leisure venues and facilities including tennis courts, bowling greens, sports grounds, barbecue areas, campsites and more are included in this and will remain shut to the public for a minimum of a further seven days.
If you’re wanting to work out at home, try one of these online workouts, or see if your favourite gym is offering virtual classes.
Beauty parlours
Beauty parlours are also among the business that must remain closed. You can, however still get a haircut, with hair salons and barbershops remaining open. If you are booking in a haircut, expect to have your temperature taken, fill out a health declaration form and wear a mask for the duration.
If you’re looking to get your nails done, you will for now have to wait to book your next appointment. However, manicurists offering at home services are still allowed to operate in line with social distancing measures.
See also: Give Yourself A Luxurious At-Home Facial Experience With These Beauty Gadgets
Hotels, pools and spas
If you have a staycation booked, you don’t need rush to cancel as hotels are permitted to remain open and will be following strict health and safety procedures.
However, all public pools––including hotel pools––must close. Sadly this is also the case for spas, with bathhouses and massage establishments also shuttering for the foreseeable––so if you’re wanting to book in a beauty treatment, you’ll have to hold off for now.
Other closures
After months of closure, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park re-opened in June, but has also been closed since July 15 to align with the new social distancing measures.
Also included in the list of closured are cinemas, libraries, museums and performance venues.
So, what can we do?
The list of closures may look long, but we're keeping our fingers crossed it's not for the long-term.
In the meantime, we have plenty of ideas on how keep yourself busy at home; from easing stress and anxiety with meditation, to enjoying the best feel-good movies on Netflix, organising your closet and much more.
And if you're working from home, we also have advice on how to stay productive, tips on how to upgrade your work space and curate a beautiful home office.
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