Gov't uses risk-based approach

April 1, 2020

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan:

In deciding which are the premises that we are going to close temporarily for 14 days, first of all, we look into the risk, so it is risk-based. As I mentioned earlier, there are all these premises where there are activities that have more gathering opportunities. These are high-risk premises, and therefore we chose to close these premises. We also look into the confirmed cases, and also all the clusters, so those are one of the information sources that we are relying on. 

On the beauty parlour,  this time we have added three types of premises and beauty parlour is one of them because we think they also have some risk. At this point in time, we gave directions on infection control measures, such as taking temperature before people enter the premises, that they have to wear masks all the time wherever possible, and also having hand sanitisers so that they can keep or maintain hand hygiene. So I think if they keep these measures, these are the initial steps. But of course, we will continue to monitor the situation and we would not rule out any further measures, such as closures or other measures, if the situation changes.

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The Government takes a risk-based approach when deciding which premises to close temporarily to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan made the statement when speaking to reporters today.

"There are all these premises where there are activities that have more gathering opportunities. These are high-risk premises, and therefore we chose to close these premises.

"We also look into the confirmed cases, and also all the clusters, so those are one of the information sources that we are relying on."

Regarding beauty parlours, Prof Chan said: "We think they also have some risk. At this point in time, we gave directions on infection control measures."

People who enter these premises will have to wear masks, Prof Chan said, adding that these establishments must also conduct temperature screening and provide hand sanitisers.

"Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation and we would not rule out any further measures, such as closures or other measures, if the situation changes.”