Coronavirus: ban on groups of more than 4 at restaurant tables could be relaxed to 8, sources say as Hong Kong considers easing social-distancing measures
- Proposal was said to be raised at government meeting over the weekend, with health advisers endorsing move and an announcement expected in the week
- Restrictions on other high-risk premises such as bars and karaoke lounges expected to continue
Sources familiar with the situation said the administration was also mulling the reopening of some premises, subject to precautionary measures. The four-person table rule and ban on certain businesses expire on Thursday.
But the resumption of operations for karaoke lounges and bars, where infection risks are higher, was not on the cards.
“The relaxation could allow more flexibility for some restaurants as we see the local situation coming under more control,” a source said. “But there is still need for social distancing in general.”
The proposal was discussed in a government meeting with medical experts on Saturday. It was agreed that the spread of the coronavirus locally was slowing down, and therefore some social-distancing measures, such as limiting restaurant patrons to only four per table, could be relaxed this week.
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The proposal of extending the limit to six or eight people was discussed, and the eight-person rule was deemed acceptable under current conditions. Consideration was also given to Mother’s Day next week, during which many are expected to dine with family members.
A large number of venues including gyms, cinemas and bars have been closed on government orders since March 28, and public gatherings of more than four have also been banned.
It was also mentioned in the government meeting that some premises could be reopened if operators could ensure that customers wear masks and adhere to the spacing rule.
“But the government is still considering whether bars and karaoke lounges should resume business, as they are deemed as high risk, with clusters of infections earlier,” the source said.
The Food and Health Bureau is expected to finalise details and make an announcement before the current ban expires.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Sunday said the city’s economy could be facing its worst year since records began in the 1960s.
In a blog post, he said the government had already revised the city’s GDP forecast for this year to a contraction of 4 to 7 per cent, instead of a decline of up to 1.5 per cent he foresaw two months ago. “The situation is worrying,” he said.
City residents will start getting the money from mid-July, he added.
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