DDHK.ORG - The Hong Kong government on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, announced that existing social distancing measures were being extended until September 21. This policy of no additional relaxation was taken after taking into account the current situation where the daily number of new cases in Hong Kong has now reached five digits. Most cases were associated with the Omicron mutant strains of the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-lineages that carried higher transmission.
“The epidemic situation in Hong Kong is now very severe. Meanwhile the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. The government urges citizens to strictly observe social distancing measures, refrain from participating in crowded activities, and minimize unnecessary gatherings to lower their risk of infection," a Hong Kong Government spokesperson said in a press release.
The government emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccine was very effective in preventing severe cases and deaths. "Citizens should arrange for parents and children to get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure early protection for them," the spokesperson said.
“It is estimated that the caseload will remain high in the short term. In order to contain the risk of transmitting the virus, there is no room to relax any social distancing measures at this time," the Hong Kong government said.
However, given the need for social and economic activities, the Government decided to maintain the existing social distancing measures for the next 14 day cycle without further tightening. At the same time, strictly implement various anti-epidemic measures, including mandatory testing, quarantine or isolation, social distancing, and vaccine passes.
Relevant measures include allowing all catering establishments and scheduled venues to continue operating subject to strict compliance with requirements. This includes the use of Vaccine Pass and the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app.
Everyone must take a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of attending the banquet and present a negative photo to the person in charge of the catering establishment to enter. A negative nucleic acid test result obtained within 48 hours of entering the site can also be used to meet the requirements of the RAT above.
Other requirements, such as the use of masks for citizens in certain means of transportation and in certain public places, as well as a ban on gathering in public places, also remain in effect. [Source: info.gov.hk] [DDHKNews]
