The Government reminded members of the public and scheduled premises operators today (November 16) to take note of the implementation details of the adjusted social distancing measures in the new cycle that will come into effect tomorrow (November 17). In particular, to facilitate differentiation by members of the public and avoid public's confusion during actual operation, all public skating rinks and cinemas must continue to conduct "active checking" on Vaccine Pass regardless of whether users or patrons are required to wear masks during exercise or when consuming food or drink. In other words, persons-in-charge of public skating rinks and cinemas must continue to conduct "active checking" on patrons or users' Vaccine Pass in accordance with the prevailing requirements from tomorrow onwards.

     Starting tomorrow, the Vaccine Pass arrangement of the following premises will be changed from "active checking" to "passive checking", meaning that persons-in-charge of the premises will no longer need to actively check patrons' vaccination records or exemption certificates upon their entry. However, patrons are still required to comply with the vaccination requirements under the Vaccine Pass to enter the relevant premises:
 

1. amusement game centres;
2. places of amusement (including billiard establishments and public bowling alleys), but excluding public skating rinks;
3. places of public entertainment (such as theme parks, museums), but excluding cinemas as well as performance venues, the latter when the audience is allowed to consume food or drink therein;
4. club-houses;
5. mahjong-tin kau premises;
6. event premises;
7. barber shops/hair salons; and
8. religious premises.

 
     The "passive checking" arrangement at the following premises remains unchanged.  Among them, the administrative arrangements of checking of the patrons' compliance with the Vaccine Pass requirements and use of "LeaveHomeSafe" in markets managed by the Government will be aligned with the relevant requirements for private markets, i.e. both will be subject to "passive checking":
 

1. shopping malls;
2. department stores;
3. markets; and
4. supermarkets.

 
    On the other hand, the "active checking" arrangement under the Vaccine Pass at the following premises remains unchanged, meaning that persons-in-charge of these premises are required to actively check patrons' vaccination records or exemption certificates upon their entry. Patrons entering these premises are required to comply with the vaccination requirements under the Vaccine Pass to enter the premises:
 

1. catering premises;
2. bars/pubs;
3. bathhouses;
4. fitness centres;
5. public skating rinks;
6. cinemas and performance venues, the latter when the audience is allowed to consume food or drink therein;
7. party rooms;
8. beauty parlours and massage establishments;
9. clubs/nightclubs;
10. karaoke establishments;
11. sports premises;
12. swimming pools; and
13. cruise ships (i.e. "cruise-to-nowhere").

 
     The categorisation of premises subject to "active checking" and "passive checking" are listed in Annex 1. The restrictions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) to be in force during the period from November 17 to November 30 are detailed in Annex 2.
 
     The Government reminded the public that patrons entering premises subject to Vaccine Pass are required to comply with the vaccination requirements thereunder regardless of whether the premises is subject to "active checking" or "passive checking". Patrons must present the relevant records or certificates as required by law enforcement officers during spot checks or other enforcement actions.
 
    A Government spokesman said, "The Government will continue to uphold the principles of science-based and targeted anti-epidemic measures, proper management of risks and citizen-focused facilitation, and closely monitor the epidemic trend as well as prudently adjust social distancing measures."

Ends/Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 23:36

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