Curbs On Public Gatherings, Restaurants Relaxed

The number of people allowed to gather in public will be relaxed – from two to four – and restaurants will be permitted to seat four people per table from Friday, as government eased more social-distancing measures that were imposed after Covid-19 outbreaks.

More venues would also be allowed to reopen from Friday, including mahjong parlours, games arcades and most sports venues, except swimming pools. But bars, karaoke lounges, sauna rooms and party rooms will stay shut for the time being.

Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, said on Tuesday the decisions were made after ascertaining factors like the need for some activities and the risk of infection.

"In considering the factors of who comes first and what is the priority, not only are we considering the epidemic situation, we are considering the necessity of the activity, as well as whether they are essential to daily life," she said.

"And, also the infection risk that can be substantially reduced by enhancing disease prevention and control measures," the health chief said.

The latest Covid-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, which started in early July, appeared to be stabilising with the number of new cases remaining at a low level in recent days.

But measures like the requirement for people to keep their masks on in public places will stay in place.

Chan again appealed for vigilance, saying the outbreak is not over yet and some new cases were still untraceable, meaning there's 'silent transmission' in the community.

She also said patients identified by the government’s universal testing programme come from various sectors in society, with different backgrounds and professions.