Social distancing measures extended to Nov. 12, 4 long-term testing services to launch mid-month

People practice social distancing at a restaurant in Kowloon Bay. (FILE PHOTO)

The existing social distancing measures to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hong Kong will be extended for another week, Hong Kong’s leader said Tuesday.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam told reporters before the regular Executive Council meeting that the current measures would remain unchanged until Nov. 12. This means groups of six will remain allowed to dine together in catering premises, and bars were allowed to seat four people together at a table.

Lam said she had noticed “pandemic fatigue” among Hong Kong residents and expressed worry about possible new clusters of infections following six local infections reported in just a week.

“People have let their guard down. People have started to gather for hotpots, and for meals, activities that involve the taking off of masks. There is a risk,” Lam said in Cantonese.

She appealed to the public to continue following the distancing rules so Hong Kong can achieve a sense of normalcy.

Secretary for Food and Health Prof. Sophia Chan earlier said the government may re-tighten these distancing rules should they find further violations from residents.

Over the Halloween weekend, throngs of people flocked to Lan Kwai Fong after the latest easing of restrictions gazetted by the government.

Fears of another COVID-19 cluster loom after a 26-year-old individual tested positive for coronavirus, and two cases were linked to her. She had stayed with several others in a resort in Mui Wo.

With Hong Kong eyeing the reopening of its borders, Lam also announced residents may have private COVID-19 testing services at the four temporary testing centres by mid-November. She said the testing fee will only be at HK$240 and will include certification for travel.

The Hospital Authority’s 46 general out-patient clinics will also begin distributing specimen collection packs for those who wish to get tested. Eight of these GOPCs will give out the collection packs on Sundays and Public Holidays.