Team Sports, Religious Services Resume From Friday

The government will allow places of worship to reopen from Friday as long as they stay at half their usual capacity, while a limit of four on the number of people participating in team sports will be eased.

The latest moves to reduce social distancing come as the number of coronavirus cases in Hong Kong continues to slow, with no local infections reported on Tuesday.

The rules for religious establishments include a ban on serving food and drink, except during religious rites.

For team sports, the maximum number of participants will depend on the sport in question.

A representative from the Hong Kong Sports Coach Union welcomed the move, but stressed that they will try to minimise the likelihood of physical contact while training during the pandemic.

Performance venues are also scheduled to reopen on Thursday.

Several measures will remain in place, including a ban on public gatherings of more the four. The wearing of masks in public will also remain compulsory, with limited exceptions.

Most public facilities have been reopened, although beaches remain closed ahead of the four-day holiday weekend.