FEHD reminds operators, staff and customers of catering premises and scheduled premises to observe latest social distancing measures

     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (October 6) that the Government has earlier announced the relaxation of certain social distancing measures, and the latest specifications and directions in relation to catering premises and scheduled premises under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) has come into effect from today to October 19. The spokesman appeals to operators of catering premises and scheduled premises to observe the relevant arrangements and strictly comply with various requirements and directions under Cap. 599F and other relevant anti-epidemic regulations at all times. Customers patronising catering premises are also required to comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions.

     Under the latest directions, the maximum number of persons per table for catering premises is increased from eight to 12; the restriction on all activities in scheduled premises with a limit on the number of persons per group is relaxed from eight to 12; the maximum number of persons per table for bars/pubs and clubs/nightclubs is relaxed from four to six; and the maximum number of persons for banquets in catering premises is increased from 120 to 240.

     Other social distancing measures will remain unchanged, including the requirements related to the use of "LeaveHomeSafe" and the Vaccine Pass, and restrictions for holders of a Red Code/Amber Code in entering premises, the requirement for participants in banquets as well as patrons of bars/pubs and clubs/nightclubs to undergo a rapid antigen test (RAT) and the requirement for staff of premises to undergo RATs every three days.

     The spokesman supplements that "banquet" refers to a situation with customers exceeding the number allowed to be seated together at one table and dining together at the catering premises with a common purpose. Under the latest directions, the maximum number of persons per table for catering premises is 12, hence for illustration, the requirements pertaining to undergoing an RAT does not apply to 12 customers dining together at two tables, but applies to 13 customers dining together at two tables.

     The FEHD has updated its Vaccine Pass thematic webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/covid19/vaccine_bubble.html) to provide information to premises operators to facilitate their compliance with the latest various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions. Moreover, the spokesman also reminds members of the public to comply with the related regulations and directions on group gatherings and mask wearing at catering premises.

     The FEHD will continue to conduct stringent enforcement operations proactively, and urges premises operators, staff and customers not to defy the law.