'Govt Can Regulate Private Gatherings If Needed'

The government has warned it could regulate private events, including those in people's homes, unless the public heeds advice to avoid gatherings across different households in order to try to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, told an RTHK programme that such measures would be considered if needed.

But she urged people to abide by the current social distancing measures, saying they would consider it too draconian if authorities tried to regulate activities in their homes.

Officials have extended current social distancing measures, which include the closure of schools, gyms, cinemas, beauty salons and bars, and dining-in at restaurants after 6pm, for at least two more weeks.

They also said on Monday that it's unlikely the strict pandemic measures will be eased before next month's Lunar New Year holiday.

The health secretary said the government has yet to assess if the traditional Chinese New Year fairs will be held this year, but she said such large-scale events should be avoided.

Asked if social distancing measures need to be further tightened, Chan said the current measures were working and authorities would monitor the outbreak to see if there is a post-Christmas rebound in Covid-19 infections.There were 53 on Monday, 43 of them locally acquired.

Speaking on the same programme, University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung also expressed concerns over a new surge in cases.

With some five weeks to go before the Chinese New Year, Ho said he could not see any room for the easing of anti-epidemic measures before then, and people should expect Lunar New Year events to be cancelled.