On April 21, Hong Kong began to relax social distance restrictions in phases. The first phase included the resumption of evening dining in the catering industry. The Hong Kong SAR government also called on members of the public to consciously abide by the relevant epidemic prevention regulations after the relaxation of social distance measures.

Starting from the 21st, the first phase of social distance restrictions will be relaxed, including the resumption of evening restaurant dining business in the catering industry, the opening hours can be reached at 22:00, the maximum number of customers per table will be raised from 2 to 4, and banquets for no more than 20 people will be allowed. All employees are required to undergo a rapid antigen test every three days before entering the workplace.

In the first phase, sports venues will also be reopened, including indoor and outdoor venues, fitness centres, beauty salons and massage parlours, places of public entertainment, including performance venues, theme parks, libraries, museums, exhibitions, cinemas, family entertainment centres, etc., and playgrounds, including billiards rooms, public bowling alleys, public skating rinks and amusement game centres, venues, etc. In addition, starting from the 21st, the restriction prohibiting people from gathering in private places with more than two households will be lifted, and the maximum number of people gathering in public places will be relaxed from 2 to 4.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has said that after the relaxation of the social distance measure, there is bound to be a certain risk of communication for the public to increase their social contacts. It is hoped that the public can exercise self-discipline and abide by the epidemic prevention regulations at all times, so as to create better conditions for the resumption of normal life.