Final phase of easing on track for late June, says Carrie Lam

Chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Tuesday that the final phase of a three-month plan to relax the city’s Covid curbs would come in late June, in order for people to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland at ease.  

Speaking ahead of an Executive Council meeting, the Hong Kong leader told reporters that society should be glad to see the daily Covid caseload on a downward trend, giving authorities the confidence to proceed with the second phase of the easing of Covid curbs on May 19.  

Phase two of the easing of Covid measures will see bars reopen and operate until 2am with four per table, while restaurants can extend service hours from the current 10pm to midnight. Up to 120 people will also be allowed to attend wedding banquets, from the current 20.  

An operating capacity limit of 50 percent for cinemas and some other premises will be raised to 85 percent. Eating and drinking will also be allowed in cinemas.  

Bars, bathing houses, party rooms, nightclubs, karaoke, mahjong parlors, and cruises are also set to resume operations on May 19.  

Lam said she hoped citizens could understand authorities’ decision to carry out the final easing phase in late June, noting there are not many restrictions left after the second phase of easing kicked in.  

She added that people should wait for the “safe landing” of the second easing phase before considering more relaxation in the city’s social distancing measures.