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Explainer | Coronavirus Hong Kong: everything you need to know about tighter social-distancing rules for family gatherings, dining out and getting around

  • The government has unveiled sweeping measures aimed at curtailing the spread of the virus that will impact nearly all facets of daily life
  • Here is a quick rundown of all you need to know about getting together with loved ones, taking transport and using the new vaccine pass

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Restaurants are one of 24 types of premises where using the vaccine pass is required. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
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The Hong Kong government has announced some of the toughest social-distancing rules since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in a bid to contain a surging fifth wave of infections.

Here is what you need to know about the latest measures, and details of the vaccine pass that launched on February 24.

All restaurants except for so-called Type D ones will be limited to two diners per table. Photo: Felix Wong
All restaurants except for so-called Type D ones will be limited to two diners per table. Photo: Felix Wong

Gatherings at public and private places

How many people can gather in a group?

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The maximum number of people that can gather in public places has been reduced from four to two. The government also announced an unprecedented ban on gatherings of more than two households at private places, which includes any venue not readily accessible by the general public from time to time. The rule is based on households, not families, meaning that even if all guests at a gathering belonged to the same family, they would still be in violation if they lived in more than two different residences.

Does the two-person rule mean I cannot go out with my family members if we are three or more?

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Public gatherings for family members who live in the same household are exempted. The cap does not apply to families with more than two members.

How many people can gather at private places?

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