"In view of the development of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the Government has amongst others gazetted directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/01/P2020120100068.htm) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/01/P2020120100979.htm) on 30 November 2020 and 1 December 2020 to further tighten the social distancing measures.  The above directions and specifications took effect on 2 December 2020 for a period of 14 days till 15 December 2020. 

According to the latest directions on scheduled premises under Cap. 599F (https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap599F), if relevant premises (such as private pleasure 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 is required to close till 15 December 2020.  Please refer to the appended link for full details of the latest directions on scheduled premises: https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/202024117e/egn202024117224.pdf. 

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 tightened from 4 to 2 till 15 December 2020.  As covered in our previous reply, a public place is referred to a place where members of the public can get access to from time to time.  If a venue allows access by members of the public from time to time, such venue would fall under the definition of public places.  Hence, the requirements regarding group gatherings of not more than 2 people and a distance of 1.5 metres or more between different groups etc. under the Group Gathering Regulation will be applicable.  On the contrary, if the organisers have ensured sufficient measures/ arrangements on admission/ access control to the venues, which could prevent access of members of the public from time to time, such venues may not be regarded as public places. 

The Government 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 
8 December 2020