The directions under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation (Cap 599F) to extend existing social distancing measures were gazetted today.

The directions will take effect for seven days from July 22 to 28.

The Food & Health Bureau said the detection of quite a number of local cases with unknown sources of infection over a short period of time raises an important alarm, which reminds the community that members of the public must not let down their guard in terms of epidemic prevention and control.

Under the latest directions, the number of customers at any catering premises at any one time must not exceed 50% of the premises' normal seating capacity.

No more than four people may be seated together at one table within any catering premises.

From 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, no selling or supplying of food or drink for consumption on the catering premises is allowed. The premises concerned may sell or supply food and/or drink for takeaway services and deliveries.

Bars or pubs must be closed. Live performances and dancing must not be allowed in any catering premises.

All karaoke and mahjong-tin kau activities carried on at any catering premises must also be suspended.

Twelve categories of scheduled premises including amusement game centres, fitness centres, places of amusement, party rooms, beauty parlours, karaoke and massage establishments are required to suspend operation.

The directions issued on July 13 by the Secretary for Food & Health in accordance with Cap 599G and Cap 599I will continue to be effective until July 28.

Group gatherings of more than four people in public places will continue to be prohibited.

A person will continue to be required to wear a mask at all times when he or she is boarding or on board a public transport carrier, or is entering or present in a Mass Transit Railway paid area.