The Government has decided to allow the resumption of daytime dine-in services from 5am to 5.59pm with effect from tomorrow, having noted the inconvenience and difficulties the previous arrangement caused the public not working from home.

In the latest dine-in arrangements, the number of customers at any catering premises must not exceed 50% of the normal seating capacity of the premises and no more than two people can sit together at one table.

Tables available for use or being used by customers must be arranged with a distance of at least 1.5 metres or a partition.

Other requirements and restrictions in relation to catering business premises will remain in effect, including wearing a mask at all times except when consuming food or drinks, conducting body temperature screening for people entering the premises and providing hand sanitisers.

The Government calls on catering businesses to take further measures such as arranging single-sided seats and not to make table-sharing arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

For the daily period from 6pm to 4.59am, except for specific premises, those responsible for carrying on catering businesses must cease selling or supplying food or drinks for consumption on the premises of the business.

The Government reiterated that implementation of the temporary cessation of dine-in services was intended to curb the continued spread of the disease in the community by further minimising eating in groups and social contact in view of the severe epidemic situation.

Employers are strongly urged to allow their employees to work from home as far as possible, thereby reducing the chance of infection when large groups of employees eat out during breakfast and lunch.

Employers may implement flexible lunch hours or other measures where possible to reduce the chances of employees going out and increasing contact among them.

The latest directions under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation (Cap 599F) regarding the above arrangements will be gazetted later today for the directions to take effect from tomorrow to August 4.