Residents Excited About Local Tours In Long Weekend

Hongkongers who were among the first to join a tour organised by local agency following relaxation of social distancing rules said they were glad to finally have a chance to relax and explore the city.

As what the government called "targeted measures" to help gradually restore Hong Kong’s social life, people are now allowed to join local tours of no more than 30 people – on condition of a number of hygiene restrictions.

For example, everyone is required to wear a face mask, and transport is only being run at 50 percent capacity.

Around 15 people who joined a local tour on Saturday morning to Yuen Long and the Tsing Ma Bridge told RTHK that they think the hygiene rules required by authorities were reasonable.

A tour guide said he had tested negative for Covid-19 as required by the government.

A participant, surnamed Chan, said she's happy that she can finally go on a trip to relax.

"I think that is good...If everyone goes home healthily after the tours, authorities and agencies would be more confident to organise more of these tours later on," she said.

A man surnamed Chiu in the same group said he used to travel a lot before, but it's been a while since he went on a trip.

"The time and everything [with the tour] worked for me so I decided to take a walk. I feel trapped in Hong Kong,” he said.

“We can only worry so much. We just have to make sure we protect ourselves" he said.