Hong Kong gradually relaxed COVID-19 restrictions on Friday as health authorities recorded the lowest number of new infections in weeks. Gyms and massage parlors and some other recreational facilities reopened after more than 50 days of enforced closure – albeit under stringent regulations.

Restaurants would be allowed to serve indoors up until 10 p.m., and gyms, massage parlors, amusement centers, club-houses and some outdoor sports facilities would all be allowed to open from Friday on a one-week trial, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan announced on Wednesday. Pubs, karaoke rooms, bathhouses, swimming pools and mahjong parlors remain closed.

However, the government maintained a tight hold. Group gatherings are limited to four people at reopened indoor sports facilities such as gyms, billiard saloons and bowling alleys. Attendees are also required to maintain a minimum of 1.5 meters from one another and wear a mask, including during exercise. The ban on groups of more than two people remains in place at other venues, including restaurants.

Owners of some local fitness centers said they were fully booked as soon as the relaxations were announced, but that that hadn’t made up for their losses due to the shutdowns.

Some classes at RMG Muaythai & Fitness Gym were running at one-third capacity due to the restrictions, said Ray Or, the chief coach.

“We used to have 26 to 30 people in one class. But now we only dare to have 10 or 11 people. The difference is huge,” said Or, who is also the convenor of the Hong Kong Fitness and Combat Sports Alliance.

“The monthly rent here is HK$130,000 [US$17,000],” he said. “If you add utilities, the total costs can be more than HK$200,000. I just hope I can earn enough to cover the rent.”

One customer, named Ryan, said he was so delighted at the relaxation that he booked a day off work to go to the gym.

“I used to work out at home because I daren’t run on the streets, but it was too cramped,” he said.

One customer of the gym passed out while exercising with a mask on, Or said.

“You can’t breathe as easily with your mask on,” said another customer, surnamed Kwan. “The coach has helped me reduce the intensity of my workout plan. I will get used to it.”

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