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

By Localiiz 3 September 2020 | Last Updated 5 May 2022

Header images courtesy of Yung Chi Wai Derek and WR Studio (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.

From 5 May, the number of people allowed per table in a restaurant will be adjusted to eight diners. Gazetted beaches and swimming pools will reopen. Masks will not be required when conducting strenuous physical activity outdoors and when present in country parks. From 19 May, bars, clubs, and karaoke rooms will be allowed to reopen till 2 am. Restaurants can extend service hours to midnight. Cinemas can increase their maximum capacity to 85 percent and eating and drinking will be allowed in cinemas.

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Photo: Alison Pang (via Unsplash)

General

Place

Guidelines

Exceptions

Outdoors (all spaces)

Masks on at all times

Do not gather in groups of more than four people

Groups have to be at least 1.5 metres apart

Can take off mask for exercise outdoors and when in country parks

Indoors (public spaces)

Masks on at all times

Do not gather in groups of more than four people

Can take off mask when exercising indoors in premises and fitness centres which meet the air change requirement

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

Photo: Johen Redman (via Unsplash)

Food and drink

Type

Open?

Guidelines

Notes

Restaurants and cafés

Yes

Eight people per table max. from 5 May

Dine-in hours are extended till midnight from 19 May

Must have your temperature taken upon entering and vaccination record scanned

Bars and pubs

No, but open from 19 May

Four people per table max. from 19 May

Opening hours will be extended till 2 am from 19 May

Vaccine Pass will continue to be implemented

Photo: 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?Notes
Tennis courts, bowling greens, roller, and skateparksYes

Ngau Chi Wan Park Archery Range, Shek O Obstacle Golf Course, Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre are also open

Running tracks in sports groundsYesN/A
Beaches Yes

Barbeque pits remain closed

Sport centres

Yes

N/A
Pools YesN/A
Soccer pitches, basketball courts, children's play, and outdoor exercise equipment 

Yes

N/A
LibrariesYesN/A
MuseumsDepends

Can operate at 85 percent capacity max. from 19 May

Check with individual museums before heading out for their opening policies

Performance venuesDepends

Can operate at 85 percent capacity max. from 19 May

Live performance and dancing activity not allowed in catering premises, bars, and pubs

Photo: Danielle Cerullo (via Unsplash)

Personal care and fitness

Type

Open?

Guidelines

Barbershops and hair salons

Yes

Staff members and customers must wear a mask at all times

Nail salons

Yes

Staff members and customers must wear a mask at all times

Beauty and massage parlours

Yes

Clients and equipment must maintain 1.5-metre distance

Staff members and customers must wear a mask at all times

Gyms

Yes

Masks are no longer required when exercising in gyms that meet the air change requirement, from 19 May

Equipment will be set 1.5 metres apart with partitions in place

Sauna facilities remain closed

Ice-skating rinks

Yes

N/A

Bathhouses

No, but open from 19 May

N/A

Photo: Jake Hills (via Unsplash)

Entertainment and leisure

TypeOpen?Guidelines

Cinemas

Yes

Can operate at 85 percent capacity max. from 19 May

Food and drinks will also be allowed in cinemas from 19 May

HotelsYes

N/A

Mahjong parlours

No, but open from 19 May

N/A

ArcadesNo, but open from 19 May

N/A

Karaoke No, but open from 19 May
N/A
Party roomsNo, but open from 19 May
N/A
Disneyland and Ocean ParkYes

Ocean Park will open six days a week (except Tuesdays). Online reservation will be required in advance before attending both parks

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