The lifting of certain social distancing measures under prevention and control of disease ordinance
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A spokesperson for the Food and Health Bureau said today (May 5), “In light of the more stabilised 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, a window of opportunity exists for us to lift some of the social distancing measures at the moment.”
Key requirements under the latest measures
Following the directions and amendments under Cap. 599F and Cap. 599G, the latest social distancing measures will be as follows –
On catering business and scheduled premises
(1) 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 (at Annex 1) 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 should continue to be suspended.
(2) Catering premises (or part thereof) exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors as defined in section 53(1) of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) (i.e. 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 (or part thereof);
(b) no more than four persons may be seated together at one table therein, irrespective of the hour of operation; and
(c) live performance and dancing must not be allowed.
For more details, please refer to the following press release from the Hong Kong Government.