Jabs the only clear answer to confusion over Hong Kong ‘vaccine bubble’
- It would be easier to get inoculated against Covid-19 than follow the bewildering rules for staff and customers at city businesses hoping to get back to normal
The government’s plan to make vaccinations a condition of easing curbs on dining and entertainment venues was greeted with criticism and scepticism two weeks ago. The so-called vaccine bubble looks even more bewildering after details allowing restricted premises to reopen or expand operations were announced on Tuesday.
Publicity and enforcement aside, there needs to be a greater effort to make people aware of the importance of inoculations, without which the epidemic will persist and businesses continue to suffer.
With at least four ways for restaurants to operate, depending on whether staff and customers are partially or fully vaccinated and using the government tracing app, enforcement will be an issue. Party rooms, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, bathhouses and bars also have to fulfil similar requirements before they can resume business on Thursday.
The conditions also apply to local tours, large weddings, church gatherings and shareholders’ meetings.