Bars and other venues to reopen as social distancing measures relaxed

The government has announced that from Friday, May 8, many of the city's social distancing measures will be relaxed amid the recent drop in new COVID-19 cases in the city. From Friday, people will be able to gather in public spaces in groups of eight – increased from four – and many establishments will be allowed to reopen, including bars, fitness centres, beauty parlours, and cinemas. While bars will be able to open at half capacity, seating only four people per table, nightclubs, karaoke rooms, and party rooms are set to remain closed for a further two weeks.