DDHK.ORG - On 12 July 2022, the Hong Kong Government announced that the social distancing measures currently in effect were extended until 27 July. There is no further relaxation in the policies taken by the Government because the number of new cases is still quite high.
The Hong Kong government website said the daily number of new cases remained at the recent four digits, with nearly 1.000 infected people still in hospital for intensive care. "In light of the latest epidemic developments and in order to balance the need for social and economic activities, the Government decided to extend the existing social distancing measures for another 14-day cycle without relaxation at this time," the Hong Kong government website said.
All catering establishments and scheduled venues are permitted to continue operating subject to strict compliance with requirements including use of Vaccine Pass and LeaveHomeSafe app. Other requirements, such as the use of masks for residents on public transportation and certain public places, as well as a ban on gathering in public places, also remain in effect.
"The government will continue to monitor the development of the epidemic holistically and carefully consider social distancing measures for the next stage, with the aim of maintaining people's daily operations while preventing the risk of a rebound in the epidemic."
Social distancing rules that are currently in effect, including stipulating that everyone must wear a mask at all times when they take public transportation, enter or are in an MTR paid area, or enter or are in certain public places. Hong Kong residents may not wear a mask if they are in open public areas in rural parks and special areas as defined in section 2 of the State Parks Regulations, or are engaging in strenuous physical activity (e.g. exercising or jogging) in a public outdoor area.
The authorities have the right to prohibit people who do not comply with the provisions for using these masks from boarding public transportation or entering the area concerned, as well as requiring that person to wear a mask and get off or leave the area. Violators of this provision can be fined HK$10,000. The authorities can also issue a penalty notice by paying a fixed fine of HK$5,000.
Group gatherings or gatherings of more than four people in public places also remain prohibited. This requirement also applies to group gatherings at restaurants, bars/pubs, and other scheduled venues.
Everyone who participates in the gathering of prohibited groups; holding prohibited group gatherings; owns, controls or operates such a meeting place; and knowingly permitting such a meeting place is punishable by a maximum fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons participating in prohibited group gatherings may be subject to an immediate fine of HK$5,000.
"We urge all citizens to continue to be vigilant by strictly observing all applicable social distancing measures and immediately receiving the appropriate dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This will help them prepare well for the changing epidemic situation, and protect the health of themselves and their family members," a Hong Kong Government spokesman said. [DDHKNews]
