The government announced today that it would be extending the ban on “scheduled premises” such as bars, pubs, gyms, and other entertainment venues until April 23rd. And if you’re in need of pampering, we’d recommend chucking on a sheet mask or steaming your face over a pot of boiling pasta, because beauty and massage parlors have also been ordered to close from the 10th to the 23rd.
(It seems like hair salons are still allowed to operate though, so no need to break out the dodgy scissors and DIY videos just yet.)
Catering businesses such as restaurants and cafes are still allowed to serve customers, but must continue to enforce rules on temperature checks, hand sanitizer, and appropriate distancing between tables.
A spokesperson for the government reiterated that managers and owners of catering businesses and scheduled premises that do not observe said requirements would be committing a criminal offence, the maximum punishment for which is a HKD50,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.
Likewise, the restriction on public gatherings of more than four people has been extended until April 23rd. Any person who participates in, organizes, hosts, or knowingly allows such a prohibited group gathering is also committing an offence. Offenders are liable to a HKD25,000 and imprisonment for six months, but can discharge liability by paying a fixed penalty of HKD2,000.
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