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Things you need to know about Hong Kong's current Covid-19 restrictions

Stay up to date with the city's latest pandemic regulations

Tatum Ancheta
Written by
Time Out Hong Kong
&
Tatum Ancheta
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The Hong Kong government finally dropped the mask mandate in the city, ending one of the world's longest mask-wearing rules for Covid-19. From March 1, citizens and visitors travelling to the city are no longer required to wear masks indoors, outdoors, and on public transport. 

Read below for more information about the current restrictions and rules on public gatherings, and stay up to date on what you can or can't do in the city.

RECOMMENDED: Ready to explore Hong Kong? Check out our list of the 50 most incredible things to do in the city. And make sure you bookmark this list of the best concerts and gigs happening this year 

Do I need to wear a face mask?
Photograph: AFP/Peter Parks

Do I need to wear a face mask?

From March 1, Hongkongers and those travelling to Hong Kong are no longer required to wear a mask when out and about around the city. Members of the public who are taking public transport or visiting medical facilities may freely decide if they wish to wear a mask or not.

What is the current rule about Covid-19 quarantine rules in the city?
Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Government Security Bureau

What is the current rule about Covid-19 quarantine rules in the city?

Since January, Covid-positive patients and close contacts of confirmed cases – including those who test positive through PCR and rapid antigen tests – are no longer required to undergo mandatory quarantine. 

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Do I need to get tested for Covid-19?
Photograph: Shutterstock

Do I need to get tested for Covid-19?

Hong Kong government no longer issue isolation orders to infected Covid-19 cases since January 30. If you test positive for Covid-19 through an RT-PCR or rapid antigen tests (RATs), you are no longer obliged to report your results via the online platforms of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). The government advises symptomatic persons to stay at home to rest and avoid going out. Those who are asymptomatic can go out at will or go to work.

If you belong to high-risk groups and suffer from fever, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhoea, the government recommends that you seek medical attention.

Secondary school students are no longer required to take rapid antigen tests before class. However, primary, kindergarten, and special education pupils will still need to test until March 15. If you want to visit public hospitals and residential care homes, PCR tests are no longer mandated, but a negative RAT result is necessary to enter the premises.

Free PCR testing service will cease starting March 1. If you wish to get yourself tested at the remaining community testing centres in the city, the services will be available for a price.

Do I still need the LeaveHomeSafe app?
Photograph: Courtesy Bertha Wang/AFP

Do I still need the LeaveHomeSafe app?

The LeaveHomeSafe app created for Covid-19 contact tracing purposes has also ceased operation, and the government will no longer update the app. Those who wish to delete the app can do so, but if you'd like to keep your vaccine records, your data will remain.

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Can I eat at the nearest restaurant?
Photograph: Courtesy Duddell's

Can I eat at the nearest restaurant?

Catering businesses are allowed to extend dinner service without restriction. Since December of last year, the previous restrictions on limited numbers of diners to a table are all lifted. Restaurants are also permitted to stage live music performances. 

There's no better time than now to go out for a meal and book a table in one of the best restaurants in the city. For new bites, here's a list of the latest openings around town. Click here for all the food and drink news in Hong Kong that should be on your radar.

Can I drink at my favourite bar?
Photograph: Joshua Lin

Can I drink at my favourite bar?

Bar-goers can finally enjoy drinks at their favourite drinking dens without restrictions. 

So, head out for that long-overdue bar crawl and check out our pick of the best bars in the city

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Can I travel?
Photograph: AFP/Peter Parks

Can I travel?

With most of the Covid-19 restrictions now lifted, arrivals to the city can roam freely. 

Hong Kong no longer requires hotel quarantine for travellers entering the city, and inbound travellers will no longer be required to do mandatory PCR tests upon arrival. 

Planning on travelling abroad? Check the government website of your country of origin and intended destination to see what policies have been put in place and monitor the situation. 

If you're a traveller flying to Hong Kong? Here's a guide on what you need to prepare before your departure.   

Can I book a staycation or cruise?
Photograph: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Can I book a staycation or cruise?

Cruise ships are currently operating in the city, and the suspension mechanism, requiring cruises to return to port if Covid-19 infection is detected, has been scrapped.

Hotels are also welcoming back tourists and staycationers. So book that well-deserved RnR and take your significant other to the most romantic hotels in the city or schedule a weekend getaway from the best beachside hotelsboutique hotels, or luxury camping spots in town.  

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Can I get a haircut in the nearest salon?
Photograph: Courtesy Mandarin Salon

Can I get a haircut in the nearest salon?

Salons have reopened since last year. Nail salons and other cosmetic beauty services have also resumed operations. 

Plan your next visit to the best salons in the city, but make sure to call to check on their new operating hours.

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How about sports and fitness centres?
Photograph: Facebook/CrossfitCavaliers

How about sports and fitness centres?

Gyms and LCSD's indoor and outdoor venues have reopened, including sports courts, indoor games halls, and outdoor leisure venues such as sports ground tennis courts, bowling green courts, and basketball courts. 

Outdoor cultural facilities such as a children's playground and areas with fitness equipment are also operational. 

Time to burn those calories! Hit up the best gyms in Hong Kong and check out the latest adrenaline-pumping experiences like Snow & Surf and Ninja Force.

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Can I go hiking?
Photograph: Shutterstock

Can I go hiking?

Hong Kong may be a bustling metropolis, but we have verdant spots for hiking, and the city's best country parks, barbecue sites, and campsites are open to the public. Start planning for your trek at the best hiking trails in Hong Kong. Done with Dragon's Back and tired of Twin Peaks? Check out these hikes instead.

For the latest updates on facilities in country parks, call 1823 for enquiries or visit hiking.gov.hk.

For other thrilling adventures, bookmark our wellness guide to keep you updated with the latest hiking tips, trails, and outdoor activities to do around town. Looking for other adventures? These itineraries will inspire you to get out and experience the city. 

Can I get a massage?
Photograph: TA

Can I get a massage?

Spa establishments and massage parlours are open, including bathhouses, steam, and sauna facilities. Enjoy a relaxing time at the city's best spas

Registered Chinese medicine practitioners are allowed to operate, and if you need therapy for medical reasons, physiotherapy centres and certified chiropractic establishments remain open. 

If you're looking for other ways to destress, get started with soothing candles and essential oils. Or turn your attention to indoor plants to lower anxiety and stress levels and bring a touch of nature into your homes with the help of these plant delivery services

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What other venues are open?
Photograph: Courtesy Ocean Park

What other venues are open?

Performance venues, theme parks, amusement game centres, places of worship, bowling alleys, skating rinks, and museums are open. 

Planning for a gathering or simply looking for fun experiences? Party venueskaraoke establishments, and mahjong-tin kau premises have also reopened. 

Water World Ocean Park also reopened. Book your tickets and online reservations on Water World’s official website.  

Need more fun recommendations? Check out our ultimate Hong Kong bucket list. Want to explore without spending a dollar? We also have a list for that! Check out 20 amazing free things to do in Hong Kong

What if I have more questions?

For the latest news and announcements from the government, you may visit gov.hk.

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