Lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, founder of the Roundtable party, has revealed that it may soon be mandatory for all diners to use the LeaveHomeSafe app when they go to any restaurant in Hong Kong.
Currently, it is only mandatory for diners to use the app to enter restaurants under the Type C and Type D categories. Type C restaurants are open till midnight and can seat up to six at a table, and Type D restaurants can run till 2 am and can seat up to 12 per table.
With the new rule, anyone who wishes to enter Type B restaurants – which are open till 10 pm and seat up to four people together – would no longer have the option of manually recording their information on a form. Those aged under 12 or over 65 or who have difficulties using the app will be exempt from this requirement.
The move, which Tien states is likely to come into effect in mid-November, is part of stepped-up efforts to convince the mainland to reopen borders with the SAR. Tien added that Mainland authorities may use the app to trace any Covid-infected Hongkongers who travel across the border.
This development comes after the development that, as of November 1, it is compulsory to use the LeaveHomeSafe app before entering government buildings, including certain Leisure and Cultural Services venues.
Header image credits: ZDHUNG Wroangsia
