Virus shackles loosened from Friday for people and bars

Starting Friday, Hong Kong residents will be free to gather in groups of up to eight, while entertainment venues including bars, as well as cinemas, and massage parlors, are also allowed to welcome customers.

This is part of measures announced today by the Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to loosen the social distancing requirements imposed since March 29 to contain the coronavirus from spreading in the city. Hong Kong has not reported new local infections for 16 days, Lam said.

She and officials made the announcement in front of a green backdrop that proclaimed: 'Hope on the Horizon.' 

While bars can reopen, live music groups are not being allowed to perform. Karaokes, party rooms, and nightclubs remain  closed for two more weeks.

Gyms, beauty centers and mahjong parlors will also be able to open Friday.

Lam also said that from May 27 students from Form Three to Form Five will be able to resume classes.

Students of Primary Four to Secondary Two will return to class on June 8, while those from Kindergarten Three to Primary Three will head back to school on June 15.

There will be no lessons for the rest of the year for students of K1 to K2.