As of April 21, 2022, Hong Kong will relax some of its COVID-19 restrictions. among the strictest in the world, allowing beauty salons, cinemas and gyms to reopen, while infections in the destination are below 2,000 a day.
"Cases have gone from a peak of over 70,000 a day to over 1,000 today; if the government still doesn't relax (the restrictions), I think it will have a major impact on Hong Kong society and economy." said Chief Executive Carrie Lam at a press conference.
Coronavirus-related restrictions put a strain on business and helped fuel a net exodus of around 70,000 people in February and March 2022, compared with nearly 17,000 in December 2021, raising concerns about the city's status as a global financial center. What's more, with Hong Kong's borders effectively closed since 2020, few flights could land and virtually no passengers were allowed to transit, isolating a city that had built a reputation as a global hub.
The government said on Thursday that up to four people could congregate at any one time from April 21, up from the current two, and that restaurants could stay open until 10pm, extending the city's restaurant opening hours from 6pm. Schools are also expected to resume face-to-face classes from next week. Bars, beaches and barbecue spots remain closed for the time being.
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