In light of the more stabilized situation in Hong Kong in terms of the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the recent weeks and the ‘suppress and lift’ strategy adopted to contain the epidemic, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is lifting some of the social distancing measures.
Starting May 8, the following measures in relation to catering business, scheduled premises and group gathering in public places will come into effect for 14 days till May 21, 2020.
On catering business and scheduled premises
For catering business, the number of persons allowed to be seated together at one table within any catering premises will be increased from four to eight. Previously announced requirements continue to apply including keeping a distance of at least 1.5 metres between tables and wearing mask except consuming food or drinks. Karaoke activities carried out on any premises will continue to be suspended.
Catering premises exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors such as bars and pubs will be allowed to resume operation subject to the following conditions –
(a) the number of customers must not at any one time exceed 50 per cent of the normal seating capacity of that premises;
(b) no more than four persons may be seated together at one table, irrespective of the hour of operation; and
(c) live performance and dancing must not be allowed.
Amusement game center, fitness center, place of amusement, place of public entertainment, beauty parlour, massage establishment, and mahjong-tin kau premises will be allowed to resume operation subject to various conditions, e.g. social distancing has to be maintained, limitation in the seating capacity, regular cleaning and disinfection, wearing protective gears, and more.
Club-house will be allowed to continue operation, also subject to conditions. However, the
following scheduled premises will be required to remain closed for 14 days –
(a) bathhouse;
(b) party room;
(c) club or night club; and
(d) karaoke establishment.
On group gatherings
The number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be relaxed from four to eight.
The scope of existing exempted group gatherings will be expanded: (a) to cover different functions of the Judiciary; (b) to increase the maximum number of persons at wedding ceremonies (at which no food or drink is served) from 20 to 50; and (c) to cover shareholders' meeting of a listed company that is held in accordance with any ordinance or regulatory instrument, subject to no food or drink being served and no more than 50 persons in a room or partitioned area.
The above measures have balanced the oft-competing factors of public health protection, economic impact and social acceptance. They could help maintain social distancing while allowing room for resumption of social activities. HKSAR Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place with a view to suitably adjusting them taking into account all relevant factors.
As at May 6, 2020, Hong Kong has 1,041 confirmed cases and for the past two weeks, the number of new infections has been kept at single digit or zero. To protect the health of the community and to contain the spread of COVID-19, Hong Kong has been adopting a multi-pronged and coordinated approach.
In addition to social distancing, Hong Kong has actively conduct contact-tracing of all confirmed cases to identify possible infected people and do testing and quarantine as necessary. A locally-developed smart bracelet connected to the user’s smartphone is used in some cases to ensure people comply with quarantine requirements. Those placed under mandatory quarantine are subject to regular and surprise checks (phone calls, visits) to ensure they are at the intended place of quarantine. Public details of all cases (without personal information) is made available to the public to keep the community abreast of the situation.
From the very beginning, Hong Kong community has been wearing facial masks in public areas. Starting May 5, HKSAR Government distributes free re-usable masks to all citizens.
|
