Hong Kong opens first socially distanced outdoor entertainment park

Hong Kong has always been famed for its hustle and bustle of concerts, outdoor festivals and musicals. But with the pandemic having hit their entertainment industry like any other, Hong Kong has opened its first purpose build and COVID responsible park named, 'The Ground'.

The Grounds entertains live music performances, stand-up comedy and movie screenings of many family-friendly films. Guests can enjoy the events from the comfort of their cosy picket-fenced pod, which holds up to two to four people and with a safe 1.5m distance between each pod.

"It's been a long hard year locked inside for the majority of it, so it's nice to be able to sit outside with some friends, have a drink, enjoy the film," says one of the visitors.

This first socially distanced outdoor entertainment park is an attempt by the entertainment industry to adjust to the pandemic. The authorities have implementedhealth measures includingonline pre-registration, health declarations, temperature checks, mandatory face masks and hand sanitizers at each entry and exit point.

According to the reports of AP, the managing director of The Ground, Simon Wilson had to rethink and be creative to start a venture which can address the challengescaused by the pandemic.

"The whole consumer market has shrunk due to the pandemic but it doesn't mean all consumer products are affected.Businesses should creatively come up with concepts such as outdoor parks or stay cations and build up a long-term strategy," said Eugene Law, business development director of China Galaxy International Securities.

( Edited by Fathima Shareef )