Hong Kong will further relax anti-epidemic measures imposed on restaurants and nightlife venues, starting December 22. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Undersecretary for Health Dr Libby Lee said that patrons of bars, pubs, clubs and nightclubs do not need to provide a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) 24 hours prior to entering these premises.
In addition, there will be no more capacity limits on restaurants and nightlife venues. With the restrictions on opening hours being removed, this means that the only anti-Covid measures governing F&B and nightlife establishments in the city are the vaccine pass requirement and the per-table limits.
Dr Lee added that food and drinks will also be served at outdoor performance and sports venues, starting December 22, and that the RAT requirement for people attending banquets and local tours will be lifted.
When asked about whether the government will remove the daily RAT requirement for schoolchildren and teaching staff at schools, Lee said that they “will review this measure”, but would not make a decision at the moment because of the ongoing school holidays.
These developments come after the Hong Kong government recently removed its amber code restrictions and relaxed other anti-Covid regulations regarding tracking bracelets for patients who contract the virus and compulsory testing for premises.
Header image credits: Peachyyeung316 via Wiki Commons
