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Updated: Hong Kong’s latest COVID-19 social distancing guidelines

By Ngai Yeung 3 September 2020 | Last Updated 29 October 2020

Header images courtesy of Yung Chi Wai Derek and eWilding (via Shutterstock)

With everything in flux, it’s hard to keep tabs on what’s closed and what’s not given the government’s ever-changing social distancing guidelines. We’ve dug through public information and official government announcements to compile all you need to know about what you can and cannot do in a handy table for your reference.

8 December update: From 10 December onwards, dine-in services restaurants must cease at 6 pm for 14 days. A maximum number of two people per table will be allowed in restaurants during the day and restaurants must operate at 50 percent capacity; bars and nightclubs must remain closed. Gyms, beauty, and massage parlours will close. Banquets are restricted to 20 people.

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Photo credit: Alison Pang (via Unsplash)

General

PlaceGuidelinesDatesExceptions
Outdoors (all spaces)
  • Masks on at all times
  • Do not gather in groups bigger than four
Masks since 29 Jul until TBD
  • Can take off mask for exercise and in country parks
  • These are exempt from four people limit: If you’re from the same household, on public transportation, at work
Indoors (public spaces)
  • Masks on at all times
  • Do not gather in groups bigger than four
Masks since 29 Jul until TBD
  • These are exempt from four people limit: If you’re from the same household, at the hospital or other healthcare facilities, funerals, at work, court proceedings, shops, building lobbies 

The maximum penalty for flouting these government regulations are a $25,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.

Photo credit: Johen Redman (via Unsplash)

Food & drink

TypeOpen?GuidelinesDatesNotes
Restaurants and cafésYes6 people per table max.
  • 6 people per table max. beginning 30 Oct
  • Starting on 30 Oct, dine-in hours are from 5 am to 2 am. Only takeaway is allowed after that time
  • Starting on 30 Oct, eateries are allowed to operate at 75 percent capacity
  • Expect to have your temperature taken upon entering

Bars and pubs

Yes

4 people per table max.

  • 4 people per table max. beginning 30 Oct
  • Starting on 30 Oct, dine-in hours are from 5 am to 2 am
  • Bars with catering permits operate as restaurants
  • Liver performances will also be allowed starting 30 Oct
Photo credit: Deanna J (via Unsplash)

Public facilities 

Below are guidelines for government-run public facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). For the record, hikes and cycling paths were never closed before at any point and remain available, though do check first here for hikes in country parks.

TypeOpen?TimeNotes
Tennis courts, bowling greens, roller and skateparksYesN/ANgau Chi Wan Park Archery Range, Shek O Obstacle Golf Course, Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre are also open
Running tracks in sports groundsYesN/AN/A
Beaches No, but open starting on 3 NovOpen from 3 NovBarbeque pits remain closed
Sport centres

Yes

N/AN/A
Pools YesN/ACan operate at 75 percent capacity max. starting on 30 Oct
Soccer pitches, basketball courts, children's play and outdoor exercise equipment 

Yes

N/AN/A
Libraries
YesN/AN/A
MuseumsDependsVaries

Check with individual museums before heading out

Performance venuesYes

N/A

N/A
Photo credit: Danielle Cerullo (via Unsplash)

Personal care & fitness

TypeOpen?GuidelinesDates
Barbershops and hair salonsYesN/AN/A
Nail salonsYes
  • 1.5-metre distance and partitioning between seats
N/A
Beauty and massage parloursYes
  • Clients and equipment must maintain 1.5-metre distance
N/A
GymsYes
  • Must wear mask at all times
  • Four people max. groups, including trainer
  • Equipment will be set 1.5 metres apart with partitions in place
  • Sauna facilities remain closed
N/A
Ice-skating rinksYesN/AN/A
Saunas

No

N/AClosed until TBD
Photo credit: Jake Hills (via Unsplash)

Entertainment & leisure

TypeOpen?Guidelines

Time

Cinemas

Yes
  • Can operate at 75 percent capacity max. starting on 30 Oct
  • Food and drinks not allowed

N/A

HotelsYes
  • Hotel pools may now operate at 75 percent capacity max. starting on 30 Oct
N/A

Mahjong parlours

YesN/A

N/A

ArcadesYesN/AN/A
Karaoke Yes
  • Can operate at 75 percent capacity max. starting on 30 Oct
N/A
Party roomsYesN/AClosed until TBD
Disneyland and Ocean ParkYes
  • Can operate at 75 percent capacity max. starting on 30 Oct
N/A
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Ngai Yeung

 Former editorial intern

Ngai was born and raised in Hong Kong and is currently studying at university in the United States. You can find her wandering around the city, experimenting with egg recipes and nerding out about the news.

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