Public swimming pools to reopen from May 12

Thirty-eight public swimming pools will gradually reopen from May 12 with the number of users in swimming pools capped at 50 percent of the original capacity, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced.

The move came as chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced a series of relaxations in pandemic restrictions on Tuesday, including the reopening of water parks and the lifting of a mask rule for outdoor exercises starting Thursday (May 5).

Read more: Eased curbs to enrich Mother's Day joy

In order to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the water quality of its swimming pools, the department said it is now conducting the process of filtration and sterilization in order to gradually open the swimming pools from May 12 to 16. (Click here for the reopening schedule)

It also noted that persons entering the swimming pools must comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass, while training groups at the pools must observe a four-person cap.

Meanwhile, public beaches and water sports centers managed by the department will reopen on Thursday (May 5).

Lifeguard services will be provided daily at 15 beaches from 9am to 6pm, according to the department. (Click here for details)

Apart from the 15 beaches, lifeguard services at other beaches will remain suspended, and the public should not swim at the beaches without lifeguard services to prevent accidents.