Eateries Start New Curbs, But Not All Swallowing It

New social distancing laws took effect on Saturday amid the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong with most restaurants increasing space between tables and limiting customers.

But at some places, like a cooked food market in Mong Kok managed by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the new measures were not very evident and the place remained crowded.

A security guard there asked a group of five to sit separately. A man moved to a table nearby but when the guard left, returned to join his friends.

A posse of police and FEHD officials were seen going through some popular entertainment areas, making sure the new restrictions are being followed by establishments.

The new regulations state that restaurants must operate at half of their capacity, with not more four customers each table.

The distance between tables is less than 1.5 metres, a minimum required by the new law.

Police and FEHD officers checked the bars and restaurants at Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui there.

At one place, the officials were seen using tape to measure the distance between tables to ensure it was at least 1.5 metres apart. They also did some random ID checks.

But at one place the officers themselves had to submit the new rules when staff at one joint asked them to undergo temperature checks.

Some restaurants in Mong Kok, such as Namkee Noodles, had put signs on tables which were not in use.

The establishment also had signs saying “It is happier to sit at distance” on some tables to encourage social distancing.

Some eateries posted notices reminding customers to wear face masks while ordering their food and to use hand sanitisers provided by the restaurants.

The new law will remain effective for two week as Hong Kong sees a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases.

But not everyone was happy about the shut downs. A man at a snooker centre that has been shut down said the government logic was flawed.

People are still made to work inside offices that are cramped but this centre which has more space has been shut down, he complained.