Coronavirus: Hong Kong to raise cap on restaurant dining to 12 per table from October 6, lift ban on cruises
- Up to six patrons will be allowed per table at bars, from the current four, and banquet capacity will be increased from 120 to 240
- Number of daily coronavirus cases has remained below 5,000 mark throughout this week, with health officials on Friday logging 4,023 infections and eight more deaths
Hong Kong will raise the cap on restaurant dining to 12 people per table and lift a ban on cruises from October 6, in a further easing of Covid-19 social-distancing measures that industry players and residents have been pressing for.
At the same time, six patrons, up from the current four, will be allowed per table at bars, while a maximum of 240 guests can attend banquets, according to the Health Bureau.
But the bureau said diners in groups of more than 12 and bar customers would still have to show negative rapid antigen test results for entry.
The 12-customer rule will also apply to premises such as gyms conducting group activities and yoga classes, as well as party rooms and karaoke lounges, which at present only allow eight people together.
“The number of local coronavirus cases remains stable for the time being … We hope to gradually lift some anti-pandemic measures, while safeguarding the health of the people, Hong Kong’s economy, residents’ lives, and to revitalise international and mainland connections,” Undersecretary for Health Dr Libby Lee Ha-yun said on Friday.
The government announced the latest round of eased curbs in more than four months just a day before the second batch of HK$5,000 (US$635) in consumption vouchers was scheduled to be distributed on National Day.