The number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong has gradually declined. The government announced last Friday (23rd) that a number of entry epidemic prevention measures will be relaxed from today. The catering industry issued a joint statement urging the government to relax the catering epidemic prevention measures. The statement mentioned that the catering business since the Mid-Autumn Festival has dropped by 30% to 50% compared to usual, which is believed to be related to the lack of foreign tourists, rising costs caused by inflation, and salary subsidies for employees who are diagnosed. The industry is worried that “0+3” will make Hong Kong people go out to travel and consume, which will exacerbate the tide of job closures and layoffs. Therefore, they urge the government to launch an employment protection plan and relax 6 outdated epidemic prevention measures, including allowing the number of people per perimeter to increase to 12 and the number of people at banquets. There is no upper limit, cancellation of business hours until the early morning, restrictions on the distance between each station and restrictions on live performances, sparrow play, etc., as well as subsidies for sick leave and labor expenses paid for employees who are diagnosed.
Kao Wing-man, a member of the Executive Council and former Secretary of Food and Health, said that he understands that reducing the distance between tables can allow restaurants to do more business, but when the distance is shortened, it means that the degree of crowding between people will also be greater. He pointed out that the new type of pneumonia is mainly spread through droplets, and it is believed that the government will not relax the maximum number of people per restaurant in the short term.
The current social distancing measures will be maintained until the 5th of next month. In addition to cleaning and wearing masks, the restrictions on food and beverage outlets include no dine-in from 4:59 am to 4:59 am, and a negative test result must be presented to participate in banquets. A maximum of 8 One person per person, banquets not exceeding 120 people, and live performances and dancing are prohibited. Bars have more restrictions, including operating hours limited to 5 a.m. to 1:59 a.m., a maximum of four people, and 75% of the maximum capacity of the premises.
Originally published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/local/catering industry worries-0-3-increasing the tide of closings and layoffs-joint sign to urge relaxation of epidemic prevention measures/340033?utm_source=yahoorss&utm_medium=referral