Live performance and dancing in catering premises (including bars or pubs), clubs or nightclubs will be banned and party rooms have to be closed from November 22 to 26 to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Food & Health Bureau said the number of confirmed local cases with unknown sources of infection has been on a rising trend recently, indicating the existence of silent transmission chains in the community.

In view of the latest public health risk assessment, in particular the higher risks brought about by activities conducted without wearing masks and various social activities as shown in recent cases, it is necessary to further tighten the existing social distancing measures.

People running catering businesses and managers of scheduled premises that contravene the above statutory requirements will face a fine up to $50,000 and six months’ jail.

As the epidemic situation is worsening, the bureau urged the public to stay at home as much as possible, go out less often unless necessary, and avoid dining out and unnecessary social activities. They should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times.

The bureau said those measures, including requirements on group gatherings and mask wearing as announced on November 14, are still in effect until November 26.

The Government will review and adjust the various measures in place from time to time with a view of the latest epidemic situation.