Social distancing and dining restrictions will ease further on Thursday, 5 May. Keep reading to find out what this means…
We pulled through! To combat the fifth wave of COVID-19, the government previously announced tightened social restrictions but with cases decreasing, facilities started reopening on Thursday, 21 April. And with numbers continuing to decline (fingers crossed!), the government has announced further relaxation of social distancing and dining restrictions from Thursday, 5 May. The second phase of restrictions will roll out on Thursday, 19 May. What does this mean for dining out? The changing rules can be a little confusing but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Keep scrolling for our easy explanation of what is and isn’t allowed for dining out. We’ll make sure to keep updating this page with the latest info, so make sure to bookmark us to stay in the know!
Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated on Wednesday, 4 May, 2022.
Read more: New Restaurants In Hong Kong: May 2022
Hong Kong COVID-19 Dining Restrictions Explained
Dine-In Dinner Services Extended Until 10pm
Patrons haven’t been able to dine-in for dinner since 7 January (can you believe we’ve survived that long?) but with restrictions easing, dining is back until 10pm! Plus, from Thursday, 5 May, people can share a table in groups of eight instead of four (no more singing “hello from the other side”!), and banquets will be allowed to welcome 20 people.
Sassy Tip: Feeling out of touch with Hong Kong’s dining scene? We’ve always kept our eyes peeled (and our appetite ready!) – show love to these new restaurants and new menus, or head to your favourite brunch spot!
Read more: New Menus & Dining Deals
A Full List Of Facilities Reopening From Thursday, 5 May:
- Beauty and massage parlours
- Beaches (summer is here!)
- Cinemas (only moviegoers who have received their booster shot can be served food and drinks)
- Game centres
- Gyms and yoga studios
- Places of worship
- Swimming pools
- Theme parks
Beaches and swimming pools are reopening just in time for Hong Kong’s summer heat! People present at these premises need to scan QR codes using the LeaveHomeSafe App. Masks will not be required when doing outdoor exercise from Thursday, 5 May, but people must still wear masks at all public spaces. Hongkongers without a vaccination pass will not be allowed to enter elderly and disabled homes, shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets or wet markets.
Read more: The Best Beaches In Hong Kong
What To Know About The Vaccine Pass
You must have had at least one dose of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine in order to dine-in at any restaurant. Children under 12, along with those holding an Exemption Certificate issued by a certified doctor, are exempted from this requirement.
How Do I Prove My Vaccination Status Or Exemption?
You must present the QR code of your Vaccination Record or Exemption Certificate for scanning upon entry. This QR code can be found on your physical certificate (a photo or screenshot works too), or on your LeaveHomeSafe app.
All guests must use the LeaveHomeSafe app. Persons aged 65 or above, aged under 16 with no accompanying adult, or those with a disability may use a specified form provided by the restaurant instead. Children aged under 16 who are accompanied by an adult are exempt from this requirement.
All restaurant staff are required to undergo rapid antigen testing (RAT) every three days.
Editor’s Note: From Saturday, 30 April onwards, people aged 18 or over must have received at least two doses of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Bars, Nightclubs And More To Reopen On Thursday, 19 May
We can’t sip margaritas at our favourite watering hole just yet but bars and clubs will see light at the end of the tunnel real soon! From Thursday, 19 May, the second phase of easing restrictions will commence – bar hoppers and club goers can rejoice with Hong Kong’s nightlife scene coming alive again! Operation time at restaurants will also be extended until midnight and the four-person limit on public gatherings is set to rise to eight people.
Other Facilities Reopening On Thursday, 19 May:
- Bathing houses
- Cruises
- Karaoke
- Mahjong parlours
- Party rooms
A set date for phase three has not been announced yet or what it might entail.
Read more: The Best Spas In Hong Kong
Hero image courtesy of Hotal Colombo via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Uma Nota via Instagram, image 2 courtesy of Taylor Simpson via Unsplash, image 3 courtesy of The Pontiac via Instagram.