HONG KONG: The Hong Kong government has started relaxing social distancing measures.

The first stage, which went into effect yesterday, allows dine-in services at catering businesses and restaurants until 10pm, four hours later than before, with the maximum allowed number of people per table increased to four, up from two.

Venues such as fitness centres, beauty parlours, massage spas, cinemas and religious sites were allowed to reopen, with seating capacity capped at 50%.

Leisure and cultural services facilities, such as outdoor sport venues, public libraries and museums, also reopened.

Travel agencies can now organise local tours of 30 people, provided that tourist guides and customers have three and two vaccine doses respectively.

If rapid antigen test results are negative for all customers, then the total number of customers per tour can be increased to 100.

In the first stage of the social distancing relaxation measures, the maximum number of people permitted at group gatherings in public places will be increased from two to four, while the prohibition on gatherings at private premises involving more than two households will be cancelled.

Members of the public must continue to wear a mask on all public transportation and in public places.Other premises such as bars and pubs, party rooms and karaoke establishments as well as public beaches will be allowed to reopen in the second stage.

Dine-in service hours at catering businesses and restaurants will be extended to midnight, with the maximum number of people per table increased to eight.

In the third and last phase, the restrictions on the maximum number of customers, business and dine-in hours, as well as the limitation on the number of people per group gathering at all catering and scheduled premises, will be lifted.

 - China Daily