What you need to know about the “vaccine bubble”

Social distancing measures will be eased amongst COVID-19 vaccine recipients.

The Hong Kong government plans to ease social distancing restrictions, at least amongst residents and businesses whose workers have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the government will not wait until the city obtains herd immunity as a basis for the full relaxation of social distancing measures. Instead, it will be based on the concept of “vaccine bubbles.”

“This ‘vaccine bubble’ is very much based on the individual's behaviour or the group of individuals, or the venue-based group of individuals,” Lam said in a press conference.

As an example, she said restaurants may operate at longer hours and allow larger groups per table, provided their staff as well as the customers have received COVID-19 vaccines.

At present, restaurants are only open up to 10:00pm and only allow four individuals per table. Lam said this could be extended until 12:00 midnight and table limits raised to six.

This could be further eased if the establishment’s workers have also been fully vaccinated, which is defined as 14 days after their staff received their second dose of vaccine.

It was noted the use of the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app would also be a condition, aside from the vaccine.

The government has extended the current social distancing measures, which were to end on 15 April, for two weeks until 28 April.

Under the “vaccine bubble,” six types of premises, including bars and pubs, bathhouses, party rooms, clubs, mahjong-tin kau and karaoke establishments, will be allowed to gradually resume their operations.

She noted that if these conditions were met, banquets with guests of up to 100 may also resume.