12 April 2022
To: Licensees/Persons-in-charge of catering premises
Reminder to Persons-in-charge of Catering Premises and
People Carrying on Catering Businesses on
Strict Compliance with Directions in Relation to Catering Premises Issued under
Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions)
(Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and
Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L)
As announced by the Government on 21 March 2022, the road map and timetable for phased implementation of the social distancing measures starting from 21 April 2022, including the gradual resumption of dinnertime dine-in services and the reopening of scheduled premises, depends on whether the epidemic situation of Hong Kong will continue to subside without showing any signs of rebound (details to be announced later). In this connection, we are writing to remind you to stay on guard during the extended Easter holiday by strictly observing the social distancing measures which are in force until 20 April 2022.
Persons-in-charge of dine-in catering premises must observe the requirements and directions issued pursuant to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L). They must continue to:
- (1) comply with the requirements applicable to catering premises, including displaying at the entrance of the premises or at a conspicuous location1：
- posters containing the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code;
- a notice for premises which are subject to active checking of vaccine pass (see Annex 1); and；
- a notice in respect of air changes per hour (ACH) or air purifiers (see Annex 2).
1: Body temperature checks are to be performed on all persons entering the premises.
- use the latest version of the “QR Code Verification Scanner” mobile app developed by the Government to scan the vaccination record of every customer entering the premises to ensure compliance with the Vaccine Pass requirements;
- check that the ventilating system (outside air) as approved under the licence is properly repaired and maintained such that the outside air supply consistently fulfils the approval requirements, and that the system, regardless whether it meets the requirement of an ACH at 6, is fully switched on when the premises is open for business to ensure a proper supply of outside air; and
- properly switch on, operate, maintain and repair the air purifiers installed in the premises in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual when the premises is open for business.
The staff of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will pay particular attention to checking compliance with the above requirements in enforcement inspections during the Easter holiday.
We would also like to remind you to make necessary preparations for the new round of social distancing measures to be introduced on 21 April 2022. To cope with a possible increase in the number of customers, you may consider taking the following steps at the entrance of your catering premises in a timely manner to enhance the efficiency of scanning the vaccination records of customers:
- If the front camera of the mobile device in use is not sensitive enough, you may make use of the rear camera which have better focusing performance to scan the vaccination records of customers; and
- Setting up several mobile devices for customers to scan their vaccination records at the same time, if necessary.
As the epidemic is brought under control, catering premises will also benefit in the process of economic recovery. The Government strongly appeals to all persons responsible for carrying on catering businesses to work together and strengthen efforts for sustained implementation of prevention measures in fighting the epidemic.