As HKSAR battles the fifth wave with over 600 positive cases for the second day in a row, the government has implemented some of the strictest social distancing measures till date. Closely following in Singapore’s steps, for the first time Hong Kong will cap private indoor gatherings to just two families, and a new ‘vaccine pass’ will be extended to shopping malls and other public places.
Scroll below for all the details from today’s press conference:
Latest Restrictions
Hair salons and religious venues are going to be shut from 9th February to 24th February.
Dine-in will be allowed with only two people per table in restaurants where only staff members are fully vaccinated. Type D restaurants – where all staff are fully vaccinated and patrons received at least one jab – will be capped at four people per table, instead of the current six.
In an unprecedented move, one which was not taken even at the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, the government is capping indoor gatherings at two families.
A two-persons limit has been re-introduced in outdoor places. Details are still pouring in and it’s not clear whether members of the same family are allowed to be together in outdoor spaces.
Religious places of worship, malls, department stores, supermarkets, wet markets, hair salons are now included in the list of premises which will require the scanning of the LeaveHomeApp and a valid vaccination proof.
Random checks will be conducted to ensure the use of LeaveHomeApp.
Vaccine Pass
The vaccine pass, which mandates people to show proof of vaccination, will include shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, wet markets and , and hair salons (once they resume business). As of now, the pass will not be used on public transport, because of the difficulty of implementation and possible peak-time disruptions it could get around the city.
Penalties
Breaking social distancing rules comes at a hefty fine of HK$10,000, that’s double from the previous HK$5,000.
Fine from breaking the compulsory testing requirement has also shot up to HK$10,000.
The Employment Ordinance to be amended to avoid any labour disputes – as a result, no employer can fire staff for absence dur to compulsory testing notice or a possible quarantine order. In return, employees can be fired for refusal of vaccine on non-medical grounds.
Giveaways
A massive anti-epidemic relief funding of HK$26 billion will be presented to lawmakers at the upcoming Finance Committee meeting next Tuesday, once approved, benefits for citizens
People suffering from unemployment due to the pandemic can avail HK$10,000 as a one-time payment from the government.
Frontline workers like cleaners, security guards and cargo handlers will get a cash roll-out of HK$2,000 per month from February for five months.
Also Read: January 2022 social restrictions – Things you can still do in Hong Kong
