HONG KONG: Hong Kong will reopen bars, swimming pools and theme parks from Friday (Sep 18) as it relaxes COVID-19 restrictions after the testing of nearly 2 million people in a programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases.
The announcement by the city's health secretary, Sophia Chan, comes days after the Chinese special administrative region reopened gyms and entertainment venues and increased the number of people allowed to gather to four.
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The ban on gatherings of more than four people remains in place as does a ban on people visiting public beaches as authorities called for vigilance.
"We appeal to the public to not be complacent and let down their guard," Chan said.
READ: Singapore welcomes talks with Hong Kong on resuming cross-border travel
Hong Kong has detected 4,976 cases of the coronavirus that emerged in central China late last year with 101 deaths.
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The loosening of curbs comes after a mainland China-led mass testing programme screened 1.8 million people – almost a quarter of Hong Kong's population – with 42 infections found, including five cases through contact tracing.
New daily cases have dropped to low single or double digits from triple digits in July. No new local cases were reported on Tuesday.
Hong Kong's swimming pools will have to operate at half capacity while dining outlets, including pubs, will have to close by midnight.
READ: Rare dolphins return to Hong Kong as coronavirus halts ferry trafficRead More – Source
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