The Government announced today that the existing social distancing measures will be extended until August 24.

Explaining the decision, the Government said the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong remains high at four-digit figures, with the overall number of hospitalised patients consistently exceeding 1,000 without signs of a steady downward trend. Cases related to Omicron mutant strain sub-lineages BA.4/BA.5 have also increased.

While all catering premises and scheduled premises are allowed to operate subject to strict compliance with anti-epidemic requirements, other rules such as mask-wearing for citizens in transport carriers and specified public places, as well as the prohibition of group gatherings in public places, still remain in force.

Meanwhile, the Government noted that with the introduction of the red and amber codes under the Vaccine Pass, COVID-19 patients will be given a red code, and inbound travellers from overseas places or Taiwan will be categorised under an amber code.

As such, people in charge of relevant premises should deny entry of the aforesaid people in accordance with the relevant rules.

For those holding an amber code and working in the premises, the people in charge must ensure that such staff will strictly observe anti-epidemic measures.