Today marks the reopening of 10 more business venues in 29 dark red provinces as restrictions against Covid-19 have been further eased. I know you're going out today (it's TGIF after payday, after all) and here are a few highlighted measures to know before you head out.
• The new curfew is from 10pm-4am on the following day. It'll be enforced at least until Oct 15.
• Rules regarding dining-in at restaurants remain the same except that restaurants can open until 9pm. Capacity for open-air setting is 75% and 50% for air-conditioned setting. The ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol remain the same.
• Wanna watch Shang-Chi on a huge screen? After a five-month hiatus, cinemas come back in limited capacity, at 50%, and they can open until 9pm. Major cinema operators such as Major Group and SF Cinema have confirmed their reopening. No one can sit next to each other but movie-goers who come together can sit next to each other. The bad news is that the CCSA doesn't allow eating inside cinemas, at the time of going to print. Keep your fingers crossed so we can enjoy popcorn-munching with our movies.
• Live music at restaurants is back but the number of band members can't be more than five. Vocalists don't have to wear masks while performing but the rest of the band has to keep theirs on at all times. No contact between the band and customers. Serving or drinking alcohol is still a no-no.
• Malls and department stores can open until 9pm so, at least, tenant restaurants have one more hour to serve customers. Arcades, game shops, theme parks, waterparks and convention rooms at malls and department stores, however, remain closed. On the other hand, cram schools, cinemas, spas, fitness clubs and swimming pools at malls and department stores can reopen.
• Convenience stores can open until 9pm. Expect a line if you show up at 8.30pm. Weekend markets and fresh markets can open until 9pm, too.
• Vaccination certificates or negative results from ATK/RT-PCR tests within 72 hours are required if you want to get tatted or receive spa treatments. Basking in steam rooms is a no-go.
• Public libraries, community libraries and private libraries can reopen at 75% capacity or one person per 4m² to ensure physical distancing. Eating is not allowed.
• Museums, historical sites, learning centres, science parks, cultural parks and art galleries can reopen at 75% capacity or one person per 4m² to ensure physical distancing. Eating is prohibited.
