Latest directions under Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation
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(a) any premises (commonly known as bar or pub) that is exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors as defined in section 53(1) of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) ("intoxicating liquors") for consumption in that premises must be closed;
(b) any part of a catering business premise that is exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors for consumption in that part must be closed; and
(c) any area in a club-house that is exclusively or mainly used for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquors for consumption in that area must be closed.
A spokesperson for the Food and Health Bureau reminds the persons responsible for carrying on the catering business and the managers of scheduled premises that contravening the above requirements would be a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The spokesperson said that the Government has been reviewing the feasibility of relevant measures and will make timely adjustments in view of the latest developments of the disease. The above directions could help further enhance social distancing. A summary on the latest instructions issued by SFH in accordance with the Regulation and the earlier directions issued on March 28 and April 1 are at Annex.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) urges members of the public to go out less and avoid social activities such as meal gatherings or other gatherings and maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible.
The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear surgical masks when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
The Department of Health will closely monitor the situation. Any updates will be issued through the media, the Government's "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html) and the DH's webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv). Any enquiries on health information on COVID-19 may be addressed to the DH's hotline at (852) 2125 1122 (operating daily from 8am to midnight).
Ends/Thursday, April 2, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:55
Issued at HKT 19:55
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