Hong Kong will speed up reopening as Covid cases drop

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam said the city will bring forward reopening plans as Covid-19 cases drop. In a briefing, Lam said mask-wearing rules will be eased and more leisure venues will be reopened from this week. The easing comes as infections drop to the low triple digits after reaching a peak of over 50,000 earlier this year. From May 5, people are no longer required to wear masks while exercising outside. Beaches and swimming pools can also reopen. Dining-in at restaurants will be extended to midnight while bars can stay open until 2am from May 19.