Hong Kong people will, for the first time in months, be allowed to assemble for religious and sport events, the government there says.
"We have relaxed social distancing measures in phases under a refined and sophisticated approach in a gradual and orderly manner," a government representative said.
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection continues to advocate social distancing. "[We] strongly urge the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease," it said in a statement Wednesday.
The mask-wearing requirement will be extended until Oct. 8 at least and it will continue to be mandatory on public transport. There have been no reported local COVID-19 transmissions for some days, the government said.
Too Much, Too Soon?
However, as the government published its announcement a scene was unfolding in the Yuen Long neighborhood of Hong Kong that shows just how uncertain the pandemic situation remained.
Around midnight Sept. 29, more than 50 nursing home residents were taken to a government quarantine and treatment facility, according to local news media reports.
A 71-year old woman, previously thought to have recovered from the virus, tested positive for antibodies and is now in hospital receiving medical care.
"The outbreak might not just be one care home, sometimes it can involve one or two in succession because they are related," infectious disease expert Dr. Joseph Tang said on RTHK's Millenium radio program Wednesday. "We have to wait and see if the situation gets worse."
Religious gatherings will resume Oct. 2, provided they take place at legitimate places of worship and capacity is limited by half. No food or beverages will be served - unless it is part of a religious ritual.
The government's easing of restrictions is tacit acknowledgement of the improving COVID-19 situation - just days before the region's busiest holiday, observers say.
China's National Day holiday Oct. 1 is the start of Golden Week, which in Hong Kong overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Usually a time for shopping and visiting family, this year's festivities are expected to be subdued.
If the rate of locally transmitted infections increases again following the holiday, the government has warned that "significantly tightened social distancing measures" will be implemented to avoid another epidemic episode.
Social group gatherings of more than four people for nonreligious purposes are not allowed and violations will be punishable by a maximum fine of HK$25,000 ($3,230) and six months in prison.
