Path to relaxed curbs starts after a month

Most social distancing measures will remain in place until April 20, after which they may be relaxed in phases over a period of three months, says Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Lam said although the local outbreak is starting to dwindle the daily infection figure remains high and so most of the social distancing measures will remain in force until April 20.

But she said social distancing rules will be eased gradually in three phases within three months as long as the local pandemic situation continues on a downward trend with no sign of a rebound.

The first phase would see dine-in services at restaurants extend to 10pm, with four diners allowed per table - as opposed to current rules that ban dine-in services from 6pm and a cap of two people per table.

The government will allow the reopening of designated premises, including gyms, cinemas, massage parlors and beauty centers. Sports premises and facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also reopen.

In the second phase, dine-in services at restaurants will be further extended to midnight with eight diners allowed per table, while bars and pubs will be allowed to reopen after months of closure.

Also allowed to reopen are swimming pools and beaches and people will be exempted from wearing a mask when exercising outdoors or if they are in a country park.

For the final phase, the government will scrap most of the restrictions. People will only have to wear a mask and observe a social gathering cap.

In all three phases, people will still be required to use the LeaveHomeSafe contact tracing mobile app along with the vaccine pass.

Asked if her administration is adopting a "living with the virus" strategy, Lam said she is merely providing a "clearer direction and guidelines" for businesses and residents.

"I have considered the socio-economic factor as well as consulted the opinion of relevant industries before making the decision, which will provide a more precise strategy in fighting the pandemic," Lam said.

Catering veteran Simon Wong Ka-wo said the government's decision of resuming dinner dine-in service was "acceptable," but hoped the government could impose the relaxation next week.

However, bars and pubs feel that they are being "discriminated" as their businesses are similar in nature to eateries.

Representative of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, Chan Hing, expressed disappointment that he and his colleagues have to remain closed due to a slight difference in their licenses.

He estimated that around 200 to 300 bars had closed down in the last two years - amounting to 20 percent of the industry.

But Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, welcomed the timetable: "Everybody wants to open up sooner but I think it is better to be safe than sorry. I am satisfied that there is a timetable. Before we had no timetable. At least now businesses can plan."

Sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai-kong said he was "let down" by the government's decision not to reopen low-risk venues such as culture and sports centers.

"The government seems to have neglected local enterprises that have contributed to the local economy, especially small and medium enterprises," Fok said.

Gordon Yau Yick-chung, chairman of the Hong Kong Fitness Guide, welcomed the phasic relaxation of social distancing measures as the fitness and sports industry has lost at least HK$1 billion from the 104 days of closure.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com