Contact-tracing app now mandatory for HK bars, restaurants

Hong Kong’s contact-tracing mobile app is now mandatory for entry to bars, restaurants and other venues.

The LeaveHomeSafe app is compulsory in all restaurants for most adults.

Due to tight border controls there have been no local infections in months but the city is further strengthening measures to keep Omicron out.

Adults under 65 must use the app to scan entry into 18 different types of premises, which includes gyms and cinemas.

The app has been operational for over a year but it was not mandatory until now.

Hong Kong has about 16,000 bars and restaurants.

Last week, Hong Kong said residents traveling to the mainland would need to use the app.

The government has assured residents the app’s data is secure and not shared but some still have privacy concerns persist.

Only those under 15 or older than 65, as well as the disabled are exempted from using the app.