Hong Kong Relaxes Pandemic Restrictions

Hong Kong relaxed its pandemic restrictions on Thursday, Disneyland and museums reopened, and late-night dining at restaurants resumed as the city's worst covid-19 outbreak appears to have diminished.

The popular theme park was closed in January after the fifth wave of the Hong Kong coronavirus struck. Nearly 1.2 million people were infected within four months in a city of 7.4 million people, and nearly 9,000 died.

The restrictions were eased after authorities acknowledged that people were dissatisfied with the measures and needed to balance the fight against the epidemic with the resumption of normal activity.

The mitigation of measures before Hong Kong reaches zero COVID-19 cases shows a departure from the city's previous strategy centered on zero tolerance for outbreaks in mainland China.

The amusement park is currently allowed to operate with a capacity of 50% and visitors are required to show proof of vaccination. Disney employees put up signs to encourage people to stay socially distant.

In Hong Kong, China, a semi-autonomous region, attractions such as Ocean Park and the M + Museum reopened on Thursday. Gyms, beauty salons, and massage parlors have also been allowed to reopen.