Hair salons can reopen under the "no jab, no entry vaccine pass" from tomorrow but other social distancing measures will remain in effect.

After considering people's needs and the smooth operation of vaccine passes in restaurants and other regulated premises - including supermarkets and shopping malls - authorities decided that hair salons could reopen.

"All persons entering hair salons must have received at least one vaccine dose. And customers have to use the LeaveHomeSafe app before entering the premises," the government said.

"Both customers and staff must wear face masks the whole time in hair salons."

A hairdresser surnamed Wong said the industry has finally received some good news after salons were ordered to close in February and many lost their source of income.

Wong predicted there will not be a lot of business because Hongkongers are worrying about the pandemic and much fewer people are out on the streets.

He questioned the citywide mandatory testing as he is concerned hair salons will have to suspend operation again.

"Even if the government can find infections [through the citywide testing], so what? The government is unable to handle all the cases, so why do they have to ask all industries to stop operation?" he said.

Salons were closed on February 10. They were supposed to reopen on February 24 under the vaccine pass, but their hopes were dashed when the pandemic situation deteriorated.

Under the vaccine pass, only the vaccinated can visit a list of premises that include restaurants, supermarkets, malls and wet markets.

Other public premises - including gyms, party rooms, karaoke, clubs, sports centers and swimming pools - will remain closed until April 20.

The government said current social distancing measures will remain in effect, including a two-person limit in public places, a ban on gatherings at private premises of more than two households, and a ban on large-scale public events.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com

Hair salons to reopen tomorrow