(To watch the full media briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today said that the social distancing measures currently in place will be largely maintained until April 14.

Making the announcement this afternoon, Prof Chan explained that greatly relaxing the social distancing measures during the Easter holiday may lead to a rebound in infections.

However, to give families a wider choice of activities for the Easter holiday and after careful risk assessment and considering expert advice, some low-risk activities will be resumed.

Prof Chan noted that the chances of the virus spreading in the water are relatively low, adding that public and private swimming pools can reopen from April 1 if they comply with various infection control measures, while public beaches will also reopen in phases.

Meanwhile, the total number of people allowed in cinemas, theme parks and performance venues will be increased from 50% to 75% of the respective premises’ capacity from April 1.

She said: “The announcement of the continuation of social distancing measures is not a relaxation. We are making minor adjustments to some of the activities that we have very carefully assessed the risk.

“As far as Hong Kong Laws Cap 599F on scheduled premises, we will maintain largely what have already been relaxed. We noted that after our earlier relaxation, there were infection clusters from restaurants as well as a gym.

“But given all our stringent measures and also the increased capacity that we have built up throughout the last few months in terms of testing, contact tracing and also our facilities’ capacity, we are confident that if there are major outbreaks, we would be able to deal with it. Therefore, we decided to maintain and not to close down these scheduled premises.”

Meanwhile, the Government will propose to the Executive Council to allow the resumption of religious gatherings, with the maximum number of attendees set at 30% of a venue's capacity.

The revised measure will take effect on March 31 if approved by the Executive Council, Prof Chan added.