Government announces latest disease prevention measures********************

 The Government today (June 30) announced the latest disease prevention measures and arrangements under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), extending the social distancing measures in relation to catering business, scheduled premises and group gatherings in public places, as well as continuing the implementation of immigration control measures.

     The World Health Organization and health experts advised that COVID-19 would not be eradicated without effective treatment and vaccination. The Government thus is required to incorporate work in relation to disease prevention and control as well as infection management into the new normal of the daily operation of the society. To this end, the Government has all along adopted the "suppress and lift" strategy and strived to strike a balance among public health protection, economic impact and social acceptance, maintaining the various disease prevention measures while allowing room for gradual resumption of normal operation and activities of the society when the situation permits.  

     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, "We are currently at the 'lifting' phase under our 'suppress and lift' disease prevention strategy. In view of the latest public health risk assessment, the Government is of the view that this is an appropriate time to further relax the social distancing measures such that social and economic activities may further resume."

Social distancing measures

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     Taking into account the improvement in the epidemic situation and the Government's strategy in combating the disease, the Government will gazette today amendments and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) to further relax the social distancing measures as follows: 

Catering business and scheduled premises (Cap. 599F)

(1) On catering business, the restriction on the number of customers at a bar/pub will be relaxed by increasing such limit from not exceeding 50 per cent of the normal seating capacity of that premises and that part of the premises to 80 per cent. Other requirements and restrictions in relation to catering business premises will be maintained.

(2) On scheduled premises, the restriction on the number of persons at large-scale entertainment stations, machines or facilities at places of public entertainment, cinemas or all places of public entertainment with live performance, as well as clubs or nightclubs, will be relaxed by increasing such cap from 50 per cent of the capacity to 80 per cent. Other requirements and restrictions in relation to scheduled premises will be maintained and enhanced based on actual circumstances.