Public Gathering Ban Extended, But Some Curbs Eased

The government said on Tuesday it was extending a ban on public gatherings of more than 50 people for another two weeks until July 16, while relaxing some of its social distancing measures in places like entertainment venues.

The Food and Health Bureau said in a statement that it will increase the maximum number of people allowed in bars and pubs – from half of all the seats as of now – to 80 percent.

This will also apply to entertainment venues such as gaming centres, cinemas, and nightclubs.

Religious events will also be allowed use 80 percent of a venue's capacity from Friday.

The government also said it is extending its 50-person limit on public gatherings for another two weeks, till July 16.

On cross-border measures, the government said it was liaising with the Guangdong and Macau governments over travel restrictions and Covid-19 testing arrangements.

For the time being, the government said it would extend current cross-border restrictions for another one month until August 7, and that it would announce the results of its discussions with Macau and Guangdong later.