May 20, 2022
HONG KONG – Hong Kong patrons flocked to bars in Lan Kwai Fong on Thursday as the government further relaxed social distancing rules as the fifth-wave epidemic situation in Hong Kong has remained under control.
After more than four months, bars and pubs are allowed to reopen with service hours up to 2 am with a maximum of four people per table. Bathhouses, party rooms, nightclubs, karaoke lounges and cruise ships can also reopen. Meanwhile, restaurants are allowed to open for dine-in services until midnight.
The maximum capacity allowed in cinemas went up from 50 percent to 85 percent, and eating and drinking in theaters are allowed again.
Residents are also allowed to take off their masks when exercising in indoor sports premises, as well as fitness centers that meet the requirement on air change.
Hong Kong’s COVID-19 situation has been stabilizing, with a daily caseload of around 300 over the past three weeks. The financial hub reported 291 new infections on Thursday.
Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, visits Lan Kwai Fong where bars reopen as the government further relaxes social distancing rules on May 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Patrons enjoy a drink at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong where bars reopen as the government further relaxes social distancing rules on May 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Patrons enjoy a drink at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong where bars reopen as the government further relaxes social distancing rules on May 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Patrons chat at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong where bars reopen as the government further relaxes social distancing rules on May 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
A woman walks past a pub in Lan Kwai Fong where bars reopen as the government further relaxes social distancing rules on May 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Patrons enjoy a drink at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong where bars reopen as the government further relaxes social distancing rules on May 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)