Hong Kong Government to Gradually Ease Social Distancing Measures Starting Next Week

Resumption of Major Public Facility Operations... Partial Easing of Entry Restrictions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Hong Kong government will gradually ease social distancing measures starting next week.

On the 28th (local time), according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced this at a press conference held that day.

Chief Executive Lam stated, "We must not lower our guard," but also mentioned, "Considering the difficult economic situation, it is necessary to gradually ease social distancing policies."

With the easing of social distancing, from next week, the work-from-home arrangement for approximately 180,000 civil servants will end, and the full border control policy will be partially relaxed. In particular, students and essential economic personnel entering Hong Kong from mainland China will be exempted from the 14-day quarantine requirement. The timing has not yet been decided. Major public facilities, including libraries, museums, and sports facilities, will also reopen starting next week.

So far, the Hong Kong government has implemented strict social distancing policies. Until the 7th, bars and similar establishments were ordered to cease operations, gatherings or assemblies of more than four people were prohibited, and restaurants were required to maintain a 1.5-meter distance between tables.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong stands at 1,037, with no new cases reported for three consecutive days as of this date.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.