On February 8, the Chief Executive has announced tighter social distancing measures in view of the worsening pandemic situation in the city, below are the main takeaway points:
- Dining at restaurants: 4 people per table for type D, 2 people for type B and C.
- Group gatherings: The maximum number of people permitted for group gatherings in public places will be lowered from four to two. Group gatherings in private premises are limited to two families. However, Officers will not “proactively” enforce the law by checking door to door.
- Closure requirements on catering businesses and scheduled premises: it will be extended to February 24, while places of worship and hair salons will also have to close from February 10 to 24.
- Vaccine pass: From February 24, people entering all scheduled premises, including new categories (wet markets, supermarkets, hair salons, places of worship, malls) will have to adhere to the vaccine pass arrangements by using the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app and presenting their vaccination record. The vaccine pass arrangement will also be applied in schools, universities, government-subsidised premises and offices in the public sector.
- Fines for not complying: the fixed penalty for any person who fails to comply with the compulsory testing requirement will be doubled from $5,000 to $10,000.
- Anti-epidemic relief funds: a sixth-round totalling HK$26 billion is hoped to be approved by lawmakers next Tuesday. Under the scheme, those suffering short-term unemployment will get a one-off HK$10,000 handout, while those on the pandemic front line such as cleaners, security guards and airport cargo workers will receive a monthly stipend of HK$2,000 for five months from February.
Events hosted by the Chamber during this period will be adjusted to align with the regulations. This means that for example the Monthly After Works and the Walk & Talk are cancelled.
To read more about the new measures, follow the links to the right.
