Govt To Allow Gatherings Of 50 People From Friday

The government has announced that up to 50 people will be allowed to gather for public events from Friday, as the Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong eases.

The current regulation restricting group gatherings caps the number of people at eight and was meant to reduce social contacts to reduce chances of coronavirus outbreaks. The rule is due to expire on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Food and Health Secretary Sophia Chan said that Exco decided to relax this restriction, but the cap of 50 people will remain for two weeks.

The extension will also cover July 1, the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China. Traditionally, mass rallies are held on that day.

But Chan again rejected any political motive behind the continuation of the restriction and said it was made with public health in mind.

She said the current restriction limiting gatherings to groups of eight limited the number of people attending events like weddings or company meetings.

The health chief said as the coronavirus situation stabilises, the government had decided to give more room for social and economic activities to resume.

A ban on live performances and dancing at bars and pubs will also be lifted.

Meanwhile the Centre for Health Protection said that there were no newly-confirmed Covid-19 cases on Tuesday.

The total number of confirmed cases stands at 1,112.