Hong Kong To Drop Mandatory COVID Test For Restaurants & Bars
From Thursday, December 22, residents and visitors in Hong Kong will no longer be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test. According to health officials, this good news applies to restaurants and bars, while cinemas and theaters will be able to return to full capacity. In other words, it seems the Chinese territory is returning to “normal” following more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hong Kong to return to ‘normal life’
In a press statement, Libby Lee, Hong Kong’s Under Secretary for Health said on Tuesday:
The government is looking deeply into where we can further relax measures so we can go back to normal life.
Following China’s lead during pandemic
For almost three years, Hong Kong has for the most part followed China’s lead in tackling COVID-19. Meanwhile, after China’s strict “zero COVID” regime of testing and lockdowns, the country has begun to ease up on curbs. Moreover, this came after the people of China went out on the streets protesting against the curbs. Meanwhile, the curbs had caused a huge cost to society in the world’s second-largest economy.
The news about Hong Kong dropping testing comes a week after another announcement. This related to people traveling to the Chinese territory from outside mainland China or from Macau would no longer face COVID controls or be barred from entering certain venues.
Just last week, the city’s authorities dropped a mandatory COVID mobile application that had been required to enter many venues. This has now made it easy for residents and visitors to enter venues like beauty salons, gyms and schools.
While previously restaurant and bar customers had to provide a negative test result, entertainment venues, including museums, cinemas and theme parks, have been operating at 85 percent of capacity. However, this will change on Thursday, when bars, nightclubs and banquet facilities are set to return to full capacity.
Some rules remain
Despite the fact that the Chinese territory has effectively dropped many of its strict COVID measures recently, some rules do still apply. In fact, face masks are still compulsory in public places unless exercising. On top of this, a vaccine pass is still required to enter certain venues.
However, Hong Kong city leader John Lee announced on Tuesday that authorities are taking a gradual approach to relaxing restrictions. Lee said this is to minimize public health risks in the Chinese territory.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, December 21, Lee will go on a four-day duty visit to Beijing. In his statement, he said this was to report on the political and economic environment in Hong Kong. Also, the latest COVID situation is set to be discussed. The full reopening of the territory’s border with mainland China, as well as quarantine-free travel, is thought to be on the agenda.
Travel news for Hong Kong
Visitors heading to the city will discover that the Peak Tram, taking locals and visitors up to the Peak, has been completely renovated. The popular attraction reopened in August. Meanwhile, the Peak stands at 1,300 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views.
Other attractions include the observation deck, which is the best viewpoint. Moreover, the Peak Galleria mall offers a great shopping experience and Madame Tussauds. Close to the tram terminus, visitors can find Monopoly Dreams, an immersive experience based on the popular board game.