Hong Kong loosens social distancing measures as epidemic eases

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Tuesday announced the decision to loosen social distancing measures due to the abating COVID-19 epidemic, but restrictions over inbound visitors will continue.

The limit on the number of customers in bars, night clubs, cinemas and some other entertainment venues will be raised from half of the total capacity to 80 percent, which will be effective for two weeks since Friday, according to a government statement.

Hong Kong will also raise the cap on the number of people at places of worship from half of the total capacity to 80 percent. But public group gatherings of more than 50 people will still be prohibited.

According to the statement, the government will extend quarantine measures for inbound visitors for another month ending Aug. 7.

Besides, the HKSAR is also working with Guangdong Province and the Macao SAR to relax quarantine measures for some travelers of the three places.