Following the recent order on bar, pub, and club closures on April 2, the Secretary for Food and Health (SFH) has just announced the extension of closures of bars, pubs, nightclubs, and karaoke bars until April 23, 2020. The regulation extends to any part of restaurant premises exclusively or mainly used for alcohol sales. Adding to the list of venues to close are fitness centres, parlours, and massage places. Restaurants are allowed to remain open at half capacity and to abide by the strict social distancing measures of no more than four persons seated together at one table.
The measure is implemented due to the current outbreak in the city. As of April 7, positive cases have risen to 936, mostly attributed to locally acquired infections without travel history. According to the official announcement, premises that don't abide by the regulations will be subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment of operators for six months. The rules will also apply to citizens who participate in prohibited group gatherings, and those caught will be subject to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The government will continue to review the measures depending on the latest developments of the disease in the city.