Hong Kong to relax social-distancing controls and reopen schools

Measures come as locally transmitted coronavirus cases fall to zero in recent days

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Hong Kong will adopt a "suppress and lift" strategy, in which health authorities will introduce tougher measures when the coronavirus transmission rate is high and loosen them when it drops, so as to contain the outbreak. © AP

MICHELLE CHAN, Nikkei staff writer

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong will relax some social-distancing measures and reopen shuttered schools after the city reported no locally transmitted coronavirus infections for the 16th consecutive day, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday.

Most businesses that had been closed for the COVID-19 pandemic will be allowed to reopen on Friday, including fitness centers, beauty salons, movie theaters and other recreational venues. The number of people allowed to gather in groups has also been raised from four to eight. Meanwhile, schools will resume in three phases starting on May 27.

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