Living with Covid, HK and Vancouver

Nine or more per table and everyone needs to show RAT tests

With the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, the government has introduced a new measure sure to hit Chinese restaurants again. People dining with more than eight at the table must produce negative rapid antigen tests a maximum of 24 hours before entry.

Previously people who wanted to go to bars and clubs had to produce RAT tests, but now it's locals having family gatherings or birthday parties that will also have to do the same, making it more egalitarian in a way, and not targeting one segment of the population.

Chinese restaurants have seen bookings of nine people or more cancelled, or perhaps they will see two different people booking tables and requesting to be next to each other? This is where Hongkongers get creative and restaurants are willing to turn a blind eye...

Those going to bars, clubs must show RAT results

William So Man-sing, assistant general manager of London Restaurant, a Chinese cuisine outlet in Mongkok anticipates a 20 percent drop in business. He has also bought extra RAT tests for customers who show up forgetting to do the test, though they have to pay HK$10 for it. 

"I have to cater space for a test area and also need to clean and disinfect the place every time. I hope patrons can do their rapid tests at home, it will be more convenient," So said.

There is a seven-day grace period, but restaurants are hoping the government can extend it by another week. 

Some people reacted by saying they are not deterred from organising large gatherings and will make conducting RAT tests a habit, while others think it's a good idea to do the test before meeting friends and loved ones.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said on a radio show he hoped residents would cooperate and self-test before attending gatherings and banquets.

"As people take off their masks at such events, the risk of spreading the coronavirus is larger," he said.

In Vancouver masking is a personal choice

"The daily caseload has been increasing, and could possibly exceed 10,000 infections. We need to strike a balance between people's livelihood and anti-epidemic needs," he added. 

"We hope that when the infection numbers decreases, we can relax the rules again."

Yet another setback for restaurants, particularly Chinese ones as they struggle to make ends meet after over two years of the pandemic. 

There are still many people who refuse to go out much, let alone eat in big groups, while others go about life almost as normal -- with a mask on -- except when dining in restaurants.

It also shows the government is trying to be somewhat reasonable, but how do you decide eight to a table and say not 10? For wedding banquets it's totally understandable for everyone to produce a negative test, but for a dim sum gathering? 

Everyone has different comfort levels. 

Henry is not calling for mask mandates again

Here in British Columbia, the provincial health officer Bonnie Henry is not enforcing a mask mandate, but instead urges people to get vaccinated, including children, observe good hygiene and if you don't feel well, stay at home.

Compared to Hong Kong it seems very lax and many people refuse to go back to mask-wearing or don't see the effectiveness of it, or have pandemic fatigue.

One colleague said she stopped wearing masks everywhere she goes and thinks our office is too extreme in recommending employees wear masks, while a few of us wear it because we live with elderly parents and don't want to inadvertently pass on the virus. 

That made her realise there still is a broad spectrum of opinions when it comes to the pandemic, and those who are cautious need to be respected for their concerns.