Vaccine pass scheme comes into force

People began showing their proof of vaccination when going into restaurants on Thursday, as the government’s Covid inoculation requirement took effect.

Restaurants are now equipped with a scanning device to check customers’ vaccination records so they can be allowed in.

Restaurant operators are also required to put up a notice by the entrance telling people not to eat or drink in areas next to the premises, under the government’s tightened social distancing measures.

The vaccination pass scheme also covers other places such as supermarkets and shopping malls, which have added extra QR codes for visitors to scan with their LeaveHomeSafe app.

Some people RTHK spoke to said they had no problem abiding by the new requirement.

“I don’t want to get caught,” one man said.

Another woman, meanwhile, said she found the new rules confusing.

“The terms are ambiguous. Do we need to use [LeaveHomeSafe] when we come to buy takeaways or just a few things?” she questioned.

The government said people can enter supermarkets and malls without having their vaccination records scanned, but will be required to produce them if told to by a police officer.

Stricter social distancing curbs also came into effect on Thursday, with joggers and hikers now required to wear a mask.