Working Group on air change or air purifiers in catering premises holds another meeting in view of latest epidemic developments

******************************************************************************************

     The Secretary for Food and Health stipulated in March last year a requirement on air change or air purifiers to be complied with by dine-in catering premises in the directions in relation to the catering business under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F). The Working Group established for the smooth implementation of the requirement held an online meeting again yesterday (June 8) in view of the clusters of infection cases at bars recently (including the cases in late May). The Chairman of the Working Group, expert members and representatives from the government departments were briefed by departments on the respective inspection findings at the premises, and discussed the latest epidemic developments and offered views on anti-epidemic strategies.

     At the meeting, the Working Group has examined the clusters of infection cases in late May that were related to bars, including the cumulative number of confirmed cases, and known information on their air change and air purifiers.

     The Working Group reiterated that all catering premises operators must ensure that their fresh air related ventilation system must be properly switched on and operated on an ongoing basis while the premises are opened for business; and they must make reference to the routine action checklist on ventilation systems and air purifiers already uploaded onto the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's webpage on May 30, 2022 (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide_general_reference/Action_Checklist_20220530_e.pdf).

     In analysing the four clusters of infection cases relating to bars, the Working Group opined that a basket of factors (including whether the number of persons involved in the group gathering was high; whether they were mask-on when leaving their tables; whether there were live performances and dancing activities; and whether the fresh air related ventilation system was functioning properly) might have a bearing leading to the emergence of the clusters of infection cases. It is incumbent on the trade and the public to exercise self-discipline. Otherwise, it is inevitable that stringent enforcement actions will have to be taken by enforcement departments in future.

     The Chairman of the Working Group, Professor Yuen Pak-leung, said "Operators of catering business premises, including bars/pubs, should seriously check the ventilation systems of their premises, to ensure their effective operation, sufficient fresh air supply and even coverage of all zones of the seating areas. If necessary, they should seek assistance from professionals, such as a registered specialist contractor (ventilation works category) (ventilation contractor)."

     The Working Group reiterates its calls for the catering sector, other sectors and members of the public to continue to comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner to protect personal and public health. In addition, as vaccination is a very crucial part of the local anti-epidemic strategy, the Working Group also encourages the public who have not yet received vaccination to get vaccinated as early as possible for better protection of their own health as well as that of the public.

Ends/Thursday, June 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 23:57

NNNN

Archives Yesterday's Press Releases

Back to Index Page

Today's Press Releases