Food and Health Bureau:

In view of the development of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the Government has gazetted directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) on 26 May 2021 to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place.  The above directions and specifications has taken effect on 27 May 2021 for a period of 14 days till 9 June 2021 (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202105/26/P2021052600690.htm).

Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F)

        According to the latest directions on scheduled premises under Cap. 599F (https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599F), if relevant premises (such as private vessel) falls under Cap. 599F Schedule 2's stipulation of premises that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings, such premises may be open subject to relevant requirements and restrictions till 9 June 2021.  Please refer to the link for full details of the latest directions on scheduled premises: https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/202125141e/egn202125141330.pdf.

Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G)

        According to the latest directions under Cap. 599G (https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599G), the number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places is maintained at 4 till 9 June 2021.  Group gatherings in public places not specified in Schedule 1 to the Group Gathering Regulation or permitted by the Chief Secretary for Administration are prohibited.  Public places refer to places where members of the public can get access to from time to time.  If venues , including private property, allow access by members of the public from time to time, such venues would fall under the definition of public places and hence the requirements regarding group gatherings of not more than 4 people and a distance of 1.5 metres or more between different groups etc. under the Group Gathering Regulation will be applicable.  If the venue does not fall within the definition of a public place, then a group gathering may not be prohibited under the Regulation.  In such case, the organisers should ensure sufficient measures/arrangements on admission/access control to the venues, which could prevent access of members of the public from time to time, so that the venues would not fall within the definition of public place under section 2 of the Regulation.

        The scope of Cap. 599G has been extended to prohibit group gatherings at non-public places of scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F.  Accordingly, for all the group gatherings in premises regulated under Cap. 599F, the participants must comply with the relevant group gathering requirements and restrictions specified under Cap. 599F in order to be exempted under Cap. 599G.  If the group gathering related requirement or restriction under Cap. 599F is breached, such group gathering at the premises would not be exempted under Cap. 599G.  Enforcement agents would consider whether to issue fixed penalty notices or initiate prosecution against those who breach Cap. 599G depending on actual circumstances, such as whether Cap. 599G directions is violated, whether relevant persons had taken reasonable steps to ensure group gathering related requirements and restrictions under Cap. 599F are complied with etc.

        The Government is considering the next phase of the gradual return to normality under the new direction in fighting the epidemic, taking into account the need for further incentives to encourage vaccination.  We will review the various measures in place from time to time in accordance with the development of the epidemic situation, and make suitable adjustments taking into account all relevant factors.  For further information and latest updates, please read and regularly visit the COVID-19 thematic website (https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html).

        Thank you again for your enquiry.

Food and Health Bureau