The Government today announced that the existing social distancing measures will be extended until September 21.

The Government said the number of daily new cases in Hong Kong has now reached five-digit figures, with most cases being related to the Omicron mutant strain sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5 that carry a higher transmissibility.

It is expected that the caseload will stay high in the short term. To contain the risk of virus transmission, there is no room to relax any social distancing measure at this juncture, the Government stressed.

However, considering the needs for social and economic activities, the Government decided to maintain the existing social distancing measures for the next 14-day cycle without any further tightening and at the same time implement in a strict manner the various anti-epidemic measures including compulsory testing, quarantine or isolation, social distancing and the Vaccine Pass.

Relevant measures include allowing all catering premises and scheduled premises to continue to operate subject to strict compliance with the requirements including use of the Vaccine Pass and the LeaveHomeSafe mobile application.

All people must conduct a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours before attending banquets and present a photo of the negative result to the persons-in-charge of the catering premises in order to enter. A negative nucleic acid test result obtained within 48 hours before entering the premises may also be used to fulfil the above RAT requirement.

Other requirements, such as mask-wearing for citizens on transport carriers and in specified public places, as well as prohibition of group gatherings in public places, also remain in force.