The government's contact tracing QR code for the "LeaveHomeSafe" COVID-19 mobile app is displayed in a restaurant in Hong Kong, Nov 2, 2021. (KIN CHEUNG / AP)
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government announced on Tuesday that the use of its COVID-19 contract tracing app will be mandatory in all restaurants and gyms with effect from Dec 9.
This means that all customers must first scan the venue QR code using the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app before entering the premises, a government spokesman said in a statement.
READ MORE: HK eyes LeaveHomeSafe app use in more restaurants, logs 1 case
Most social distancing measures currently in place will remain unchanged and extended for 14 days until Dec 8
The new requirement also applies to hotels, cinemas and other regulated premises.
The spokesman said the new rule aims to “enhance the efficiency and accuracy of exposure risk tracing and testing upon identification of a confirmed case as a way to tackle the more transmissible variant strains.”
Meanwhile, more people will be allowed to join the “cruise-to-nowhere trips starting from Dec 1.
Citing a stable epidemic situation, the smooth operation of the cruise itineraries and stringent health control adopted by the cruise lines, the government announced that the passenger capacity limit of cruise ships will be lifted to 75 percent from the current 50 percent.
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Most social distancing measures currently in place will remain unchanged and extended for 14 days until Dec 8.
The spokesman added vaccination is a crucial part of the local anti-epidemic strategy and appealed for members of the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible.