Hong Kong government extends group gathering ban to 23 April

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The Hong Kong government announced this morning that public group gatherings of more than four people will continue to be prohibited for 14 days more.

Following the closure of various entertainment venues – including cinemas, gyms, ice rinks, video game arcades, karaoke lounges, clubs, mahjong parlours and party rooms, the government also decided to shut down beauty and massage parlours. These restrictions will be extended until April 23 as well.

It's mandatory for all travellers who arrive at Hong Kong International Airport – whether they show symptoms or not – to take a test at AsiaWorld-Expo before heading home for self-quarantine. Those with positive results will be notified within three days. Starting 9 April, all arrivals from the UK are required to wait for the test results at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Meanwhile, the government has also announced that a relief package of more than HK$30 billion will be offered to struggling Hong Kong businesses.

School-related businesses including tutorial centres, school bus operators and physical education coaches contractors, nine types of business covered by the social-distancing measures such as the entertainment venues, and travel agencies will receive aid, according to the SCMP.

The government also plans to join hands with MTR and offer discounted fares on public railways.

“I am happy to see that stakeholders from all sectors – including employers, staff and commerce representatives – all had a consensus that the government should take reference from overseas experience to assist bosses directly so as to keep the jobs of their workers,” said chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

The details of the relief package will be revealed today.

On Tuesday, 21 new cases were recorded, bringing the city's tally to 935.

Photo/ Rex Wong