Hong Kong third wave: massage parlours and gyms finally reopen but where are all the customers?
- The Sauna & Spa massage parlour in Tsim Sha Tsui has spent tens of thousands of dollars on protective gear, but bookings down by half
- For Ray Or’s Muay Thai gym in Mong Kok, coaches can only teach a few students at a time, which means less pay for them
Operators have had to buy and stock thousands of masks, disinfectant, partitioning boards and other personal protective equipment, while staff must also ensure patrons stick to the two-person limit on gatherings.
As the daily number of infections citywide has fallen to single and low double-digits in recent weeks, the Hong Kong government is easing social-distancing rules that had included shutting a wide range of popular social spots. Last Friday, authorities allowed beauty parlours, cinemas and some outdoor sports venues such as tennis courts, golf courses and running tracks to reopen.
The list has now been expanded to include some indoor sports venues and clubhouses, as well as gyms and massage parlours. Restaurants can also operate evening dine-in services for one more hour, till 10pm.
The Sauna & Spa massage parlour in Tsim Sha Tsui resumed business but with a host of new measures adopted to prevent transmission risk. Staff must wear masks at all times and massage therapists are clothed in full personal protective equipment, which costs about HK$50 (US$7) each. Equipment is disinfected before and after each use and masks replaced after serving every customer.