Coronavirus: 3 vaccine doses for popcorn and movies? Some Hongkongers eager to return to cinemas under eased social distancing
- From April 21, film-goers and cinema staff must have had three vaccine doses in order for food and drinks to be served at venues
- Some residents say rule is impractical, while cinema operators are concerned about how to enforce it, citing difficulties in checking vaccination status
After hesitating for months, Hong Kong student Brendan Lee finally made up his mind to get his third jab of a coronavirus vaccine next week so that he could watch a film at the cinema while enjoying his favourite popcorn and soft drinks.
“We have no choice but to get fully vaccinated gradually along with the latest policy, if we want to get back to normal life,” the 22-year-old, a film lover, said on Thursday. Fully vaccinated is defined as having three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
His decision was triggered by the government announcement earlier in the day that the city would relax social-distancing measures imposed on a series of entertainment-related premises and restaurants since January.
From April 21, film-goers and cinema staff must have had three vaccine doses in order for food and drinks to be served at a cinema.
Exceptions will apply to children aged below 12, double-vaccinated residents who have recovered from Covid-19 within the last three months and those with exemption certificates.
According to the city’s existing vaccine pass scheme, residents are required to receive at least one vaccine dose by April 29 when entering a cinema. From April 30, two jabs are required.
Jenny Lau, 25, a teacher who recovered from Covid-19 on March 8, said the three-shot requirement for eating and drinking in the cinema would push her back home.
