DDHK.ORG - The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, announced that the Government would further tighten social distancing measures. This is because the COVID-19 epidemic situation continues to worsen.
What is new in this tightening is the prohibition of more than 2 households from gathering in private places. Also, the rule regarding the maximum number of people allowed for group gatherings or gatherings in public places, was reduced from 4 to 2 people.
Regarding this, through the official Facebook page of the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong, "Violations can be subject to a direct fine of HKD5,000 and a maximum of HKD25,000 and a prison sentence of 6 months."
With this tightening, the Hong Kong Government for the first time imposed restrictions on group gatherings in private places, by limiting multi-household gatherings in private places to 2 families only. “I hope we all realize that it is time for Hong Kong to take some tough measures. And every action we now introduce has been carried out in other jurisdictions, including some places and countries that take great pride in their human rights, their democracy, and so on. They do all these things because it's about life," said Carrie Lam, as reported by the official website of the Hong Kong Government.
“Public health often takes precedence over individual freedoms, but we will not put every individual in Hong Kong in a situation where they cannot live their lives. So, there will be exceptions. There will be compassionate treatment for this and that," he said.
Lam also announced that the scope of the venue is scheduled to be expanded to include places of worship, shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, wet markets and hair salons. Closure requirements at catering businesses and venues scheduled to be extended to February 24, while places of worship and hair salons must also be closed from February 10 to 24.
Starting February 24, people entering all scheduled venues, including the six new categories, will have to comply with vaccine clearance arrangements by using the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app and showing their vaccination record. Vaccine licensing arrangements will also be implemented in schools, universities, government-subsidized buildings and offices in the public sector.
The fixed penalty for any person who fails to meet the mandatory testing requirements will be doubled from HK$5,000 to HK$10,000. [DDHKNews]
