Hong Kong bars and gyms to close, 6pm dine-in curfew starts Friday

Everything you need to know about the new government restrictions announced today, 5 January.

That new gym membership is going to have to wait: With fears of an Omicron-related fifth wave of COVID-19, the Hong Kong government has announced several new measures, including the closure of gyms and bars and a dine-in ban after 6pm, starting from Friday, 7 January.

Here’s what you need to know.

Hong Kong’s 2022 Social Distancing Measures

Restaurants and Bars

• From Friday, dining in at restaurants will be banned between 6:00pm and 5:00am.
• All bars, pubs, clubs, karaoke venues, mahjong and tin kau parlours and party rooms must close entirely.
• For restaurants with unvaccinated staff, a maximum of two customers will be allowed per table.
• For restaurants with vaccinated staff, a maximum of four customers will be allowed per table.
• For restaurants with both vaccinated staff and customers, a maximum of six customers will be allowed per table.

Events and Culture

• Major events (including the Hong Kong Cyclothon) will be cancelled, check online or with event planners.
• All gyms, fitness centres, bathhouses and pools must close entirely.
• Theme parks, museums, event and performance venues and cinemas must close entirely.

Travel and Transport

• From 8 January, a travel ban will be in effect for flights or travellers coming in from Australia, Canada, France, India, The Philippines, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• All “cruises to nowhere” will be cancelled.

School and Work

• Schools will remain open.
• Businesses are encouraged to have their staff work from home if possible.

Others

• Visits to hospitals and elderly homes will be suspended.
• All beauty parlours must close entirely.

These measures will be reviewed Friday, 14 January.