By The SUN
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| Maari na ulit punuin ang mga restaurant, pero hanggang 12 pa rin ang uupo na magkakasama |
Happy days are back for restaurants and bars, as the government further relaxes anti-pandemic measures to get the economy back on track.
From Thursday, Dec 22, restaurants, bars and other designated venues will be allowed to operate at full capacity.
Bars, cruise ships and dining places where big banquets are held will also no longer have to ask guests to submit negative results for a rapid antigen test.
However, the maximum number of diners allowed to sit together in restaurants will remain at 12, and six for bars.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the government said the easing of restrictions takes into account the city’s latest Covid-19 situation and socio-economic needs.
While the number of Covid-19 infections rose to 17,000 last week, it dropped to between 15,000 to 16,000 after a few days. And although the number of patients who had to be hospitalized also rose, the proportion of those in critical or serious condition has remained stable.
The eased restrictions will also mean eating and drinking will now be allowed in outdoor areas of public entertainment and event premises, as well as sports premises, and mahjong and tin kau premises.
However, mask-wearing will continue to be imposed in all public areas, including public transportation.
The only exemptions allowed are when guests in scheduled premises go on stage during photo-taking, or when they are exercising in sports premises or fitness centers which meet the requirement on air change.
Live performances will also be allowed in catering premises and bars, but performers should take a RAT on the same day before entering the venue.
Performers are also asked to wear masks as far as practicable, and keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from the audience or patrons – or beyond a partition. They should not also mingle with other people inside the venue.
Those who take part in any dancing activity inside these premises must wear masks while they are dancing.
Venue operators must also continue using the QR Code Verification Scanner mobile application provided by the Government to scan the QR code of a patron's vaccination record, medical exemption certificate or recovery record.
Full details are here: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202212/20/P2022122000646.htm
