Coronavirus: some patrons of Hong Kong bars adopt happy-go-lucky attitude in response to new rapid testing rule
- Patrons at five bars on Lockhart Road in Wan Chai observed entering premises without providing proof of negative rapid Covid test results
- But industry employee says several customers came ready with proof in hand; dealing with younger crowd on Friday, Saturday could be ‘more problematic’
Some patrons of Hong Kong’s best-known nightlife districts have been ignoring a new rapid Covid-19 test requirement for entry to premises, while the city recorded more than 1,000 cases for the second day in a row.
A visit by the Post to Lockhart Road in Wan Chai found several customers did not show negative rapid antigen test (RAT) results to staff in at least five venues, as required under the new rule that took effect from 5am on Thursday. Employees at each venue were not seen asking patrons to comply with the measure.
Three of the five premises were bars, while the other two were restaurants with bar areas. While eateries can admit customers who are not using such areas without requiring a negative RAT result, patrons were seen sitting at bar sections without providing the necessary proof.
Under the new requirement, announced on Tuesday, patrons must present proof of a negative RAT result obtained within 24 hours before entering any bars, pubs or clubs. The measure is expected to continue until June 29.
Customers must write their names, and the date and time of the test on the kit before taking a photo of the result with their phone.
Going out? Read up on the RAT rule for Hong Kong bars and clubs
Customers who fail to comply with the rule may get a fixed-penalty notice while operators who are found to not have checked patrons’ test results will be suspended for 14 days. Customers and staff who provide false information face a HK$5,000 (US$636) fixed penalty.
Failure by managers of a business to comply with the rules could lead to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and six months in jail.
The move followed the recent emergence of coronavirus clusters linked to the city’s nightspots, with the new rule sparking a brouhaha among members of the sector.
The popular Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district was quieter than usual at 7pm, the start of weekday peak hours. Most bars only had customers at one or two tables.
Entertainment tycoon Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, said he expected a short-term drop in business for bars and clubs of about 10 to 15 per cent due to the new testing requirement.
“It’s another hurdle to cross … Some customers might find it too troublesome,” he said. “Of course, most [nightspot operators] feel it’s unfair, there might be other places that are more dangerous now. But they have no choice because they have to stay in business.”
A bar employee, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed there were no bookings at the venue, a rare occurrence.
Most patrons showed a QR code from their “Leave Home Safe” contact-tracing app together with a test kit photo upon entry to various premises, rather than take a test on the street.
Hong Kong logs over 1,000 Covid-19 cases for first time in more than 2 months
Leo Tsang, 33, who was enjoying a drink with a friend in Lan Kwai Fong, said the RAT rule added to the inconvenience patrons faced.
“We are already required to use the ‘Leave Home Safe’ app and be vaccinated with three doses before entry. The latest requirement of rapid tests definitely hindered us from visiting the bars with our friends,” he said.
“It has been a long while since we last enjoyed happy hour or a drink with our friends. It’ll make Hongkongers crazy if we cannot chill out after work.”
The city reported 1,085 new local infections and 94 imported cases on Thursday. No additional Covid-related deaths were reported.
Dr Albert Au Ka-wing, principal medical and health officer at the Centre for Health Protection, said authorities expected the daily caseload to remain above 1,000 for a while. He said the increase was natural, with more infections as a result of social-distancing rules being relaxed, noting no dramatic surge in cases had occurred.
Au said a total of 204 cases of the BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariant had been reported in the city, 62 of which had unknown sources of infection.
“Although these cases account for a very small percentage among the overall infections, we notice a widespread outbreak of the variant,” he said.
Some 103 schools reported 113 cases in total, comprising 83 pupils and 30 teachers. A class at Cannan Kindergarten (Charming Garden) in Mong Kok was suspended as three of 29 pupils were infected.
The government has gradually eased social-distancing measures since April 21, with nightspots allowed to extend their opening hours to 5am from 2am as well as operate with a limit of four people per table and a venue capacity of 75 per cent from May 19.
But live performances and dance activities are still not allowed, while patrons are also required to wear masks when they are not eating or drinking or are away from their table.
Authorities had earlier planned to further ease restrictions, but Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on June 7 the proposal was dropped as signs emerged of a rebound in cases.
The overall Covid-19 tally stands at 1,222,987 cases, with 9,392 related fatalities.
Additional reporting by Ng Kang-chung
