The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will implement further anti-epidemic measures at its performance venues from November 30, the Government announced today.

Performers who cannot wear masks during performances with a live audience at LCSD venues must take a Government-recognised COVID-19 test 72 hours before their performance and they can only perform after they have obtained a negative test result.

Depending on the number of days of the performance, the Government explained that performers must also provide an updated negative test result every 10 days.

In case of violation, the department will reserve the right to ban the performer from performing.

The Government added that it will issue letters to operators of other major non-government performance venues including the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, the Academy for Performing Arts and the Arts Centre of the latest arrangements at LCSD performance venues.

It urged all relevant venue operators to require performers who cannot wear masks during performances to take a COVID-19 test before the performance.

Performers can collect a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the Hospital Authority’s designated general outpatient clinics, undergo testing provided by private laboratories recognised by the Department of Health or at any of the community testing centres.