The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government made the following response today (July 23) to the comments in the report on Hong Kong issued by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the Report). 

     The HKSAR Government wishes to reiterate at the outset that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under "One Country, Two Systems" and comes directly under the Central People's Government (CPG). While the HKSAR Government has over the past 23 years made full use of the relevant provisions in the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the PRC (Basic Law) in conducting its external affairs and expanding bilateral and multilateral relationship, including that with the European Union (EU), over a wide range of subjects from trade and finance to education and culture, matters of the HKSAR remain our Country's internal affairs. No other state has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, in such internal affairs.

     The HKSAR Government could not agree with remarks in the Report about the implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong. The concerns about the erosion of HKSAR's high degree of autonomy and the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong are totally unfounded.

     The Government spokesman stressed, "To uphold and implement the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' meets the interests of the Hong Kong people, responds to the needs of maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and serves the fundamental interests of the nation. The CPG has time and again made it clear that the Central Government will unswervingly implement the policy of 'One Country, Two Systems'. 

     "But this has to be premised on a correct understanding of the relationship between 'One Country' and 'Two Systems'. First and foremost is to firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests," the spokesman added.

     "We hope the international community will respect that fundamental principle and should take an objective view on Hong Kong's development. In recounting events in the past year, the truth is with the pretext of opposing a proposed legislation (subsequently withdrawn) to enhance Hong Kong's legal system in respect of cross-jurisdiction co-operation in the return of fugitive offenders and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, Hong Kong – once one of the safest cities in the world – was haunted by rioters vandalising shops and traffic facilities, setting fires to buildings, attacking police officers with bricks, petrol bombs and even genuine firearms and viciously assaulting innocent citizens who held different opinions. Our city's rule of law is at stake and our citizens' safety is under threat. 

     "The Report seemed to focus on companies in Hong Kong faced with increasing political pressure and intervention, but omitted the fact that many companies were selectively vandalised by rioters because of their pro-China or pro-Government opinions.

     "The HKSAR Government always respects and protects human rights and freedoms. However, rights such as freedom of expression or assembly are not absolute and are not without limit. As pointed out by the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal at the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2020, 'it is important to understand that the enjoyment of these rights has limits so as not to affect adversely to an unacceptable level the enjoyment by other members of their community of their rights and liberties.'

     The Government spokesman stressed, "For whatever reason, no one is above the law. In face of these serious illegal acts, the Police have the statutory duty to take lawful measures to maintain public order and public safety. The Police have a set of stringent guidelines on the use of force that are consistent with the international human rights norms and standards. It is relevant to note that throughout months of street violence and confrontations, there has been no fatality caused by the Police whereas an innocent man was killed by rioters, another seriously burnt and hundreds of frontline policemen injured.

     "The Police always handle public meetings and processions in a fair, just and impartial manner in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. During the period from July 2019 to June 2020, among the 582 public meetings or processions that required notifications under the Public Order Ordinance and had made such notifications, 88 per cent of the organisers of these cases can conduct the public meetings or public processions according to their original plan.

     "We must reiterate that the freedoms and rights of assembly and procession are not absolute and are subject to restrictions as prescribed by law as necessary, in the interests of, for example, public order. In fact, from early June to early October in 2019, over 400 demonstrations, processions and rallies were staged in Hong Kong, with a significant number of incidents ended up in outbreaks of violence. Given the widespread and imminent public danger posed by the violent and illegal acts of masked protesters, the Chief Executive in Council made the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to prohibit the use of facial covering in certain circumstances, in order to allow the Police to handle further illegal and violent acts of radical protesters more effectively. In its judgment in April 2020, the Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance insofar as it empowers the Chief Executive in Council to make emergency regulations on any occasion of public danger. The constitutionality of the prohibition of facial covering in unlawful assemblies and unauthorised assemblies was upheld. 

     "The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), comprising more than 20 members drawn from different sectors, already submitted the 'Thematic Study Report on the Public Order Events arising from the Fugitive Offenders Bill since June 2019 and the Police Actions in Response' (Thematic Study Report) to the Chief Executive in May 2020. The independent IPCC takes full responsibility for the Thematic Study Report whereas the International Expert Panel plays a purely advisory role. The IPCC had duly consulted the International Expert Panel on the approach and methodology in data collection and analysis, and had fully taken the Panel's advice. Having holistically reviewed over 22 000 video clips, over 23 000 photos from members of the public, over 1 000 news articles and over 600 hours of news footage, the IPCC has proposed 52 recommendations to the HKSAR Government on a fact-based, comprehensive and objective basis. The Chief Executive has accepted all the recommendations in the Thematic Study Report, which are being followed up by the task force set up by the Security Bureau.

     The spokesman continued, "The Report mentioned that the 2019 District Council Election (Election) was held 'peacefully'. The truth is, in the lead-up to the voting day, individuals including some candidates were assaulted and their properties were damaged. The total number of complaints received was the highest ever, and the increase was alarming. In particular, 1 458 cases of complaints involved criminal damage, use of violence and intimidation. Any irresponsible act with the intent to compromise an election should not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies are following up on the complaints which involve criminal liability in the Election. Relevant Government departments will step up preventive and law enforcement efforts in future public elections to curb illegal conducts.

     "As for constitutional development, the Basic Law provides for gradual and orderly progress in achieving universal suffrage of 'one person, one vote' for selecting the Chief Executive and electing all members of the Legislative Council and again, this must be premised on the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle and in compliance with the Basic Law. With CPG's support, the HKSAR Government launched two rounds of extensive consultations on universal suffrage in 2014/15 and spent a total of 20 months to tackle the issue but to no avail in light of the illegal Occupy Movement.

     "Despite the challenging socio-economic situation since the latter half of 2019, Hong Kong's financial system remains resilient. The financial markets and the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) continue to operate smoothly. We have seen a steady inflow of capital into Hong Kong, and bank deposits have continued to increase over the past months. Stock markets stay vibrant and orderly, with a continuous flow of IPO activities attracting strong market interest. At present, the LERS is underpinned by sizeable foreign reserves of over US$440 billion, which is more than two times our monetary base. Furthermore, our banking system has strong capital position and abundant liquidity. Currently, the capital adequacy ratio and liquidity coverage ratio are at 20 per cent and 160 per cent respectively, way above the international standards. Suffice to say that Hong Kong has the capability, resources and commitment to safeguard the LERS which has proven to work well for 36 years. 

     "With prudent fiscal management over the years, the HKSAR Government has built up healthy reserves and ample fiscal space to help the economy navigate through the current downturn and related shocks while maintaining long-term sustainability. Several rounds of relief measures have been rolled out, with the latest relating to COVID-19 at a total cost of $290 billion, or about 10 per cent of Hong Kong's GDP. We will continue to make good use of our reserves to implement timely and effective counter-cyclical fiscal measures to stimulate the economy and relieve the financial burden of enterprises and individuals. 

     "The European Commission has also chosen to express some views on the national security law recently enacted by the National People's Congress Standing Committee for the HKSAR to safeguard national security. This is constitutional, lawful, rational and reasonable as national security falls squarely under the purview of the Central Authorities and after some 23 years, the HKSAR has yet to fulfil its constitutional obligations to enact local legislation to safeguard national security.

     The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Law) will not affect the high degree of autonomy, judicial independence and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong citizens will not be affected. The legislation only targets an extremely small minority of persons committing the four types of crimes that seriously endanger national security under the National Security Law, and protects the lives and property, basic rights and freedoms of the vast majority of citizens. The HKSAR Government has met with our local consular community to explain the purpose and implementation of the law. We will continue such efforts to allay any concern.

     "The Report mentions that individual country or parliament has introduced measures or acts targeting Hong Kong. These are flagrant violations of international law and could hardly be in the interest of Hong Kong people and our bilateral partners. 

     "Hong Kong and EU member states maintain close economic and trade relations, and have been nurturing bilateral cultural and technological cooperation in recent years. In 2019, there were more than 2 300 companies in Hong Kong with parent companies in the EU, representing an increase of 7.5 per cent from 2017. Over 29 000 nationals of the EU have taken Hong Kong as their home and two international schools with varied European curriculum have been operating here to provide diversified education. 

     The HKSAR Government calls on the EU member states to adopt a pragmatic and rational attitude, and bear in mind the mutually beneficial relations between the two sides."

     Yesterday evening (July 22), the Immigration Department (ImmD) learned that a female Senior Immigration Assistant who stationed at Control Support Section was notified to have tested positive for COVID-19.

     The officer concerned is mainly responsible for providing supporting services at the 14/F of the Wan Chai Immigration Tower. 14/F is not public floor and is not open to the public. She last performed duties on July 8. Since a male Senior Immigration Assistant working in the same section was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on July 13, ImmD had arranged her and the related immigration staff members to undergo COVID-19 testing and she was subsequently notified of the positive result yesterday evening. Her workplace has been arranged for thorough cleansing and was fully sterilised on July 13 and 14 in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Protection (CHP), including all public facilities.

     Relevant immigration staff members who had undergone COVID-19 testings, except for the confirmed case of the female staff yesterday, majority of their test results were confirmed to be negative by the CHP and the results of only a small fraction of the samples are yet to be released. The ImmD will closely liaise with the CHP for the test results.

     Although the staff tested positive for COVID-19 was working on the same floor as the other two confirmed cases of immD staff earlier, they were responsible for different duties and did not have direct contact with each other.

     The officer concerned has no recent travel history. Her body temperature was normal before commencing duty and she followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. Currently, the CHP is trying to find out the cause of her infection and whether she has been in close contact with other people. ImmD will proactively co-operate with the center's quarantine work.

     During the situation of COVID-19 infection, the Department has been strictly implementing various disease prevention measures, including measuring the body temperature of persons before entering the building, providing employees with masks and other protective equipment, requiring employees to wear masks when performing duties, and stepping up the cleaning and sterilizing measures of the working environment.

     The Department will continue to maintain close liaison with the CHP and has also reminded its staff to pay attention to personal hygiene and stay vigilant. If feeling unwell, staff are reminded to seek medical advice and inform the department as soon as possible.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has announced that as of 0.00am, July 22, the CHP was investigating 113 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 2 132 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 2 131 confirmed cases and one probable case).
      
     The newly reported cases announced involve 47 males and 66 females aged between 11 months and 92 years. Among them, 11 had travel history during the incubation period.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
           
     Meanwhile, starting from July 22, persons under compulsory quarantine for 14 days in accordance with the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C) and the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E), are required to collect and submit their deep throat saliva samples on the tenth day of the quarantine period for the second round of COVID-19 testing, so that testing results can be completed before the end of the 14-day compulsory quarantine.
      
       In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. As a number of recent cases involve elderly people, the CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with every day tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
 
       A spokesman for the CHP said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
 
       "The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
 
       "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
 
       Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
 
       To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:

•Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
•Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
•Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
•Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
•After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
•Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
•Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
•When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
     
     The spokesman for Tuen Mun Hospital made the following announcement today (July 22) regarding a Health Care Assistant required to be quarantined:
      
     On July 19, a four-year-old boy was admitted to the Paediatrics & Adolescent Ward for isolation treatment from quarantine centre due to fever and he was tested negative to COVID-19 on the same day. The patient vomited in the ward the next day (July 20). The vomitus splashed onto a health care assistant's hand and she was not wearing gloves at the time. The patient was then retested and the test result was preliminary positive.
      
     Tuen Mun Hospital performed contact tracing of staff that had contacted the patient according to infection control guideline. The staff who was splashed by the vomitus was identified as a close contact and will be quarantined at the quarantine centre. In addition, a total of nine staff members, including two doctors, five nurses and two operation assistants had contacted the patient and they were all wearing appropriate protective personal equipment. However, as a precautionary measure, they need to undergo medical surveillance for 28 days.

     In view of the epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, the Government today (July 22) gazetted the latest legislative amendments and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) to implement measures to further strengthen epidemic control efforts.

     The latest legislative amendments and specifications include amendments to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) (Public Transport) Regulation (the title of which would be amended to Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation) (Cap. 599I) to expand the scope of places at which a person is required to wear mask to public places. The Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has also specified for the purpose of implementation of Cap. 599I in the coming 14 days all indoor public places, public transport termini and interchanges as relevant public places.

     In parallel, the Government gazetted the specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to expand the scope of specified places, imposing conditions based on public health grounds on travellers who have visited specified high-risk places within 14 days before arrival in Hong Kong, in order to further enhance the anti-epidemic measures.

     The spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said that, as the epidemic situation remained severe, the Government strongly urged the public to stay at home as much as possible, refrain from going out unnecessarily, refrain from dining out and avoid unnecessary social activities (including private gatherings), to fight the epidemic together and prevent the virus from continuing to spread in the community.

     The epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has undergone drastic changes since early this month. New cases recorded during the period from July 15 to July 21 include 393 cases without travel history during the incubation period and 56 imported cases. The recent emergence of local cases of unknown infection source indicates the existence of sustained silent transmission in the community. The latest public health risk assessment shows that the risk of a large-scale community outbreak is now the highest since the emergence of the epidemic in Hong Kong.

     According to the World Health Organization and health experts, COVID-19 would not be eradicated without effective treatment and vaccination. The Government thus is required to incorporate work in relation to disease prevention and control as well as infection management into the new normal of the daily operation of the society. To this end, the Government has all along adopted the "suppress and lift" strategy in order to quickly adjust epidemic control measures should there be inevitable small-scale community outbreaks. In view of the continued deterioration of the epidemic situation, the Government had announced on July 19 a series of epidemic prevention measures, including extension of the compulsory mask-wearing requirement to all indoor public places.

     The spokesman said, "The detection of quite a number of local cases with unknown sources of infection over a short period of time raises an important alarm, reminding the community that members of the public must not let down their guard in terms of epidemic prevention and control. In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks as shown in recent cases, we are of the view that it is now necessary to introduce more stringent epidemic prevention measures, including requiring a person to wear a mask at all times in indoor public places, as well as public transport termini and interchanges."

Mask-wearing requirement
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     The amended Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) empowers SFH to, save for a public transport carrier or an MTR paid area, specify any or all public places for the purpose of implementation of Cap. 599I. During the specified period, a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is boarding or onboard a public transport carrier, is entering or present in an MTR paid area, or is entering or present in a specified public place.

     SFH, by way of a notice published in the gazette, has specified all indoor public places, as well as public transport termini and interchanges, to mandate the wearing of mask at all times by any person entering or being present in those public places. The relevant public places are : 

(1) all indoor public places, where "indoor" is defined based on the relevant interpretation under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371);
(2) public transport facilities designated as no smoking areas as set out in the Schedule to the Smoking (Public Health) (Designation of No Smoking Areas) Notice (Cap. 371, sub. leg. D); and
(3) public places that are bus interchanges and adjoining facilities designated as no smoking areas as set out in item 21 of Schedule 2 to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371).

     The relevant specifications will take effect on July 23, 2020 for a period of 14 days till August 5, 2020. If a person does not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement, an authorised person may deny that person from boarding a public transport carrier or entering the area concerned, as well as require that person to wear a mask and disembark from the carrier or leave the said area. A person who does not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement or contravenes the above provision commits an offence and the maximum penalty is a fine at level 2 ($5,000).  In addition, authorised public officers may issue fixed penalty notices to persons who do not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement and such persons may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $2,000.

Imposing conditions on travellers from high-risk places
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     The Government has earlier introduced Cap. 599H to impose conditions on travellers coming to Hong Kong from high-risk places to reduce the health risk they may bring to Hong Kong. SFH has earlier published in the gazette specifications on the new measures which would be applicable to seven specified places (i.e. Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa) with effect from July 25. Taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, and the changes and developments of the epidemic situation, SFH published in the gazette new specifications to maintain the conditions imposed and include Kazakhstan and the United States of America as additional specified places with effect from July 29.  

     According to the latest specification, a traveller who, on the day on which the traveller boarded a civil aviation aircraft that arrives at, or is about to arrive at Hong Kong (specified aircraft), or during the 14 days before that day, has stayed in one of the aforementioned specified places must provide the following documents:

(1) a letter or certificate in English or Chinese issued by a laboratory or healthcare institution bearing the name and identity card or passport number of the relevant traveller to show that:
(a) the relevant traveller underwent a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 the sample for which was taken from the relevant traveller within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the specified aircraft;
(b) the test conducted on the sample is a nucleic acid test for COVID-19; and
(c) the result of the test is that the relevant traveller was tested negative for COVID-19; and

(2) the original of the report for the test issued by the laboratory or healthcare institution bearing the name and identity card or passport number of the relevant traveller;

(3) a letter in English or Chinese issued by the relevant authority of the government of the place in which the laboratory or healthcare institution is located certifying that the laboratory or healthcare institution is recognised or approved by the government; and

(4) the relevant traveller has confirmation in English or Chinese of room reservation in a hotel in Hong Kong for not less than 14 days starting on the day of the arrival of the relevant traveller in Hong Kong.

     The operator of the specified aircraft should submit to the Department of Health (DH) before the specified aircraft arrives at Hong Kong a document in a form specified by DH confirming that each relevant traveller has, before being checked-in for the flight to Hong Kong on the aircraft, produced for boarding on the aircraft the above documents.

     If any conditions specified by SFH is not met in relation to any relevant traveller on the conveyance, each of the operators of the conveyance commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to the maximum penalty of a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months. If an operator fails to comply with a requirement to provide information, or knowingly or recklessly provides any information that is false or misleading in a material particular, he or she is liable on conviction to the maximum penalty of a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     As for travellers, if a traveller coming to Hong Kong fails to comply with a requirement to provide information, or knowingly or recklessly provides any information that is false or misleading in a material particular, he or she is liable on conviction to the maximum penalty of a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and imprisonment for six months.

Extension of validity of the public health emergency regulations
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     As the local and global epidemic situation remains severe, it is necessary for the Government to continue to, having regard to the "suppress and lift" strategy, adjust the epidemic control measures taking into consideration factors including public health protection, economic impact and social acceptance. To this end, it is necessary for the Government to maintain the statutory framework under the various existing public health emergency regulations and extend their validity.

     The spokesman pointed out that, extending the validity of the relevant regulations did not imply that the restrictions currently imposed under those regulations would be maintained until the corresponding expiry dates.  Rather, the relevant statutory framework had provisions in place to allow flexibility such that the Government may tighten or relax or even suspend specific requirements and conditions subject to development of the epidemic situation in line with the "suppress and lift" strategy.  

     The amendments concerned are technical in nature, and the specific expiry dates of the various regulations, as amended, are set out below:

(1) the expiry date of the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C) is extended from August 7, 2020 to September 7, 2020.
(2) the expiry date of the Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap. 599D) is extended from August 31, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
(3) the expiry date of the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E) is extended from September 18, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
(4) the expiry date of the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) is extended from August 31, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
(5) The expiry date of the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) is extended from August 31, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

     The spokesman added that, the directions issued by SFH on July 20 and July 13 pursuant to Cap. 599F and Cap. 599G would remain effective till July 28 to continue to impose stringent limits on the number of persons and capacity as well as other infection control requirements on catering business and require the closure of scheduled premises, as well as to prohibit group gatherings of more than four persons in public places.

     "We will also continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and review the various measures in place from time to time with a view to making suitable adjustments taking into account all relevant factors," said the spokesman.