Hong Kong will ban the unvaccinated from malls, supermarkets, wet markets: Carrie Lam
Local | 8 Feb 2022 2:15 pm
Only vaccinated Hongkongers will be able to enter shopping malls, wet markets, supermarkets, and churches under a “vaccine pass” scheme to launch on February 24, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced on Tuesday.
The government will also ban people from having cross-family gatherings involving more than two households in private premises, Lam said.
Earlier, the government had announced that unvaccinated people will be banned from entering a list of regulated premises including restaurants, gyms, cinemas, massage parlors and beauty centers under the vaccine pass.
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Lam announced that six more premises will be added to the list of regulated premises, including shopping malls, wet markets and other markets, supermarkets, department stores, religious venues, and hair salons. Only people who received at least one vaccine jab will be allowed to enter the locations.
“From February 24, anyone entering the regulated premises need to use the LeaveHomeSafe app and present their vaccination records,” Lam said.
Religious venues such as temples and churches will be closed from February 10 until the launch of the vaccine pass on February 24.
The government will also add public transport into the list of regulated premises -- meaning restrictions can be put on commuters -- but will not impose any restrictions until the situation makes it necessary, Lam said.
“We are making it inconvenient for people... not mandatory for people to get vaccinated,” Lam said.
She said Omicron "won't wait", and that there is still time for people to get their first jab before February 24.
Also, among the SAR's most stringent anti-Covid measures in two years, social gathering cap will be reduced to two from four people starting Thursday.
The maximum number of diners allowed at each table at Type C restaurants will be reduced from four to two, making them on par with Type B eateries.
As for type D restaurants, they can seat a maximum of four people at each table. They will launch the vaccine pass earlier this Thursday.
The fine for people who fails to comply with a mandatory testing notice will be doubled to HK$10,000.
Asked about how the ban against gatherings of extended families can be enforced, or if officers will be empowered to enter homes for prosecution, Lam said health officials can provide further details.
Apart from law amendments, the government will use "administrative measures" to ensure only the vaccinated enter schools, universities, all premises subsidized by the government, and offices of statutory bodies.
In view of the latest epidemic developments, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced the Hong Kong Flower Show 2022, originally scheduled to be held from March 11 to 20 at Victoria Park, has been cancelled in order to reduce social contacts and the risk of spreading Covid-19 in the community.
Today's Standard
