HONG KONG – Hong Kong is likely to relax some anti-COVID-19 measures next month, lifting a ban on flights from nine countries and reducing quarantine.
The moves, announced on Monday by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, come as many countries shift to trying to live with the virus rather than trying to keep it out.
A ban on flights from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United States will be lifted from April 1.
“The flight ban is no longer timely and appropriate…it will bring huge disturbances to Hong Kong people who are stuck in these nine countries if we continue the ban,” Lam told a news briefing.
Lam said social distancing measures would be eased in phases starting April 21, allowing restaurant dining after 6 p.m. with tables of four people from two currently.
Nightclubs, pubs and beaches would be allowed to open in the second phase while people would be allowed to exercise outdoors without a mask. Masks are currently compulsory everywhere outside the home.
