Relaxation of measures explained

June 16, 2020

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan:
If you recall, we have (increased) the prohibition (on gathering) number of people (limit) from four to eight. And so in view of the lifting mode, we have to look at what is a number that is acceptable or the risk (that is) acceptable. On the one hand, currently under Cap 599G, there are certain exemption categories that have a 50 people number, for example wedding ceremonies and also annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. So far under these exemptions the compliance and everything is okay. So in the lifting mode we have considered that the number of people allowed in these group gatherings in public places, we want to relax to 50. And also this will remain for 14 days. As I have said many times, it is a gradual lifting, a gradual paving the way. So therefore, it will last for 14 days and in this 14 days obviously we will continue to monitor the situation and see if there is any room for further lifting in this situation.

Of course, our experts - as the Chief Executive has already said this morning - we have during the meeting on Saturday discussed the lifting of both Cap 599G and Cap 599F. And therefore, I think the experts agree that we are in a suppress and lift strategy, we are in the lifting mode, unless obviously the epidemic situation has changed.

So we capture the situation and then try our best to look at the public health aspects as well as all the different measures that we have put in place. It seems that people are focusing on the number of people (limit) that we are lifting. But in fact, we have lots of other measures in place to try to lower the risk, even if we have increased the number. But if the number is obviously too big and also with no control, the important issue is that if it is within a scheduled premises there are certain controls by the catering business, by the organisers, by the business heads in terms of maintaining and also complying with all the regulations, all the instructions and directions that we have put in the law. So this is important. If the number is too big in terms of an outbreak, then many people would catch (it) and (it would) spread to a bigger number of people. So this is something that we are concerned (about).

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The relaxation of anti-epidemic measures is a gradual lifting and the Government will carefully observe the COVID-19 situation to see if further lifting may be possible, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said.

The Government gazetted directions and amendments under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation (Cap 599F) and the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G) to extend social distancing measures in relation to catering businesses, scheduled premises and group gatherings in public places, as well as make appropriate adjustments to such measures having regard to the latest situation.

Briefing the media today, Prof Chan explained that the number of people allowed in group gatherings in public places will be relaxed from eight to 50.

“If you recall, we have relaxed the prohibited number of people from four to eight. And so in view of the lifting mode, we have to look at what is a number that is acceptable or the risk that is acceptable.

“On the one hand, currently under Cap 599G, there are certain exemption categories that have a 50-people number, for example wedding ceremonies and also annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings.

“So far under these exemptions the compliance and everything is okay. So in the lifting mode we have considered that the number of people allowed in these group gatherings in public places, we want to relax to 50. And also this will remain for 14 days.”

Prof Chan noted the Government’s health experts discussed the lifting of measures during a meeting last Saturday.

“As I have said many times, it is a gradual lifting, a gradual paving the way. So therefore, it will last for 14 days and in this 14 days obviously we will continue to monitor the situation and see if there is any room for further lifting in this situation.

“Of course, our experts - as the Chief Executive already said this morning - we had during the meeting on Saturday discussed the lifting of both Cap 599G and Cap 599F. And therefore, I think the experts agree that we are in a suppress and lift strategy, we are in the lifting mode, unless obviously the epidemic situation has changed.

“It seems that people are focusing on the prohibited number of people that we are lifting. But in fact, we have lots of other measures in place to try to lower the risk, even if we have increased the number.”

Prof Chan added the Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place from time to time with a view to suitably adjusting them after taking all relevant factors into account.

Click here for the relaxed measures.