After taking into account the latest public health risk assessment, the Government decided to gazette directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) yesterday (November 11) to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place. These measures will take effect at 0.00am on November 13 for a period of seven days till November 19.

While the third wave of the local epidemic has been subsiding after reaching the peak in late July, new confirmed cases with unknown sources of infection have still been identified over the past week, indicating the existence of silent transmission chains in the community. In addition, it is worrying that the number of locally acquired cases has shown an increasing trend in recent days and that there are small cluster outbreaks in the community as a result of, inter alia, anti-epidemic fatigue, frequent social activities and delay in taking tests. Meanwhile, the global epidemic situation has continued to worsen, with the number of new confirmed cases hitting a record high of some 600 000 cases daily.

With the relaxation of social distancing measures, members of the public appeared to become less alert in combating the epidemic. Amongst others, there was even a new cluster relating to a staycation at a local hotel identified in early November. In light of the staycation-related local cases identified in recent days, while such gatherings in private places may not contravene the social distancing measures, they should be avoided as far as possible from a public health perspective. While resuming social and economic activities, members of the public should continue to stay vigilant in maintaining personal hygiene, and complying with anti-epidemic measures and social distancing, with a view to putting the epidemic under control as soon as possible.

Moreover, the Government has launched the "LeaveHomeSafe" COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app. Tapping technology to combat the pandemic, the app aims to encourage the public to keep a more precise record of their whereabouts, minimising the risk of further transmission of the virus. There are currently over 6 000 public and private venues that have pledged support for the scheme. The mobile app can also be used directly in over 18 000 taxis. The Government has been actively engaging with trades and businesses, and would welcome more sectors to participate in the scheme and contribute to the epidemic prevention and control work in Hong Kong. Participating public venues include government office buildings, sports centres, swimming pools, libraries, markets, cooked food markets, community halls/centres, building lobbies and shopping centres of public housing estates, hospitals, clinics, post offices, public works and construction sites. Other participating venues from various sectors and businesses include restaurants, bars or pubs, karaoke establishments, clubs, fitness centres and banks. Venue QR codes will be posted at the participating locations for the public to scan via the app.
     
The ''LeaveHomeSafe'' mobile app supports iOS, Android and Huawei mobile devices and will be available for public download from November 16. More details are available on the ''LeaveHomeSafe'' website (www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk).

For more details, please refer to the press release(s) and the Annex:
Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/11/P2020111100658.htm


Launch of "LeaveHomeSafe" COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/11/P2020111100367.htm