Hong Kong allows public group gatherings of up to 12 people starting from 20 October 2022

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Meanwhile, live performances and dancing activities will be allowed in several premises, as well as people will be allowed to eat and drink in outdoor areas of theme parks.

Given the epidemic situation in Hong Kong has been stabilising, the HKSAR government has announced to suitably relax social distancing measures starting from 20 October 2022 (Thursday).

Measures to be relaxed include:

1. Live performances and dancing activities will be allowed in the following premises:
   • catering premises,
   • bars/pubs,
   • clubs/nightclubs,
   • cinemas,
   • museums, and
   • meeting rooms/function rooms in club-houses and hotels or guesthouses;
   • However, the premise must fulfil the following conditions:
     • relevant performers must conduct regular tests, i.e.:
       • two polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid (PCR) tests in every seven days, and
       • a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the same day before entering the premises for performance or rehearsal);
     • wear masks as far as practicable;
     • keep an adequate distance from the audience or patrons (or with effective partition);
     • participants of dancing activity must wear masks while they are dancing.
2. Eating and drinking are allowed in outdoor areas of theme parks; and
3. The maximum number of persons allowed in group gatherings in public places will be relaxed to 12.

Other social distancing measures will remain unchanged, including the requirement for participants in banquets as well as patrons of bars/pubs and clubs/nightclubs to undergo rapid antigen test (RAT); requirements related to the use of "LeaveHomeSafe" and the Vaccine Pass, and restrictions for holders of Red Code/Amber Code in entering relevant premises; as well as mask-wearing for passengers on public transport carriers and in specified public places.

"The Government will continue to adopt a prudent and stable approach in the orderly relaxation of various anti-epidemic measures when the epidemic situation stabilises, so as to avoid backtracking along the path to normalcy," said a Government spokesperson.

"As the weather becomes cooler in Hong Kong, we urge citizens to receive COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccine as early as practicable to protect the health of themselves and their family members."

ALSO READ: Hong Kong further eases social distancing measures: 12 pax dining, 240 pax banquets, and more

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