I am imagining that there are quite a few less happy people in HK today than yesterday
My family and I are still okay, aiming to remain un-vaxxed, but grocery shopping shall have to be done by the helper and I shall do the driving
I am going to try best to wait out the measures, which, other than the jabs, is less severe than the one we experienced in Cape Town
Back to cutting Jack's hair, instead of in Cape Town, now HK
Let's see how long the [_choose own description_] last
scmp.com
Explainer | Coronavirus Hong Kong: everything you need to know about tighter social-distancing rules for family gatherings, dining out and getting around
The government has unveiled sweeping measures aimed at curtailing the spread of the virus that will impact nearly all facets of daily life Here is a quick rundown of all you need to know about getting together with loved ones, taking transport and using the new vaccine pass
The regulation that prohibits group gathering does not authorise officers to enter private premises, but authorities can invoke other regulations for investigation, such as reviewing CCTV footage to confirm if a suspected offence has taken place.
For restaurants and venues with fewer patrons, people will be required to show their vaccination certificate or to scan their pass on the “Leave Home Safe” app. Photo: Dickson Lee
Vaccine pass
What is a vaccine pass and when will it be launched?
The scheme involves a vaccination paper certificate or an electronic one available through your phone’s “Leave Home Safe” Covid-19 risk-exposure app and which will allow you to enter government venues and 23 other types of premises starting on February 24.
Where does the vaccine pass apply? Does it cover public transport?
Apart from restaurants, the vaccine pass will be applied at the following locations: shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, wet markets, hair salons, religious establishments, amusement game centres, bathhouses, fitness centres, amusement centres, places of public entertainment, party rooms, beauty parlours, club houses, nightclubs, karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises, massage establishments, sports premises, swimming pools, hotels or guest houses, cruise ships and temporary event venues.
The government has yet to extend the pass to cover public transport.
How will authorities ensure a vaccine pass is used?
For restaurants and venues with fewer patrons, people will be required to show their vaccination certificate or to scan their pass on the “Leave Home Safe” app before entry.
Hong Kong Update Newsletter
For places frequented by a large number of customers, such as supermarkets, malls and wet markets, random inspections will be conducted by officers.
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Can I use my paper vaccination record?
Yes, both electronic and paper vaccination records are accepted. But venue operators will be required to scan the QR code on the paper record.
Are children required to use a vaccine pass?
Exemptions will only be given to children below 12 and people who have medical certificates that prove that they are unfit for vaccination.
What if I must go through a shopping mall to go to work or return home? Is a vaccine pass a must?
Reasonable excuses to be exempted from the rule include passing through a shopping mall to return home or go to work. But people working in the shopping mall are not exempted. Exemptions will also be given to those with reasonable justification such as entering the shopping malls just to get takeaway, retrieve belongings or to get tested or vaccinated. People attending government, legal or medical appointments will also be exempted.
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Do I need more than one dose to qualify for a vaccine pass?
The vaccine pass requirement will be tightened in three stages. The first stage will start on February 24, which requires everyone aged 12 or above to have received at least one dose of vaccine.
The second stage will begin in late April. All adults must have taken their second jab, while only one dose of vaccine is required for people aged 12 to 17.
The final stage is set for late June. People over 18 who have received their second shot at least nine months prior will be required to take their booster. Teenagers aged between 12 and 17 must have taken at least two doses of vaccine six months after their first inoculation.
What is the penalty if I fail to present my vaccine pass at the premises?
The penalty is fixed at HK$5,000 (US$642). It is also applicable to staff and visitors who fail to scan or show the vaccine pass at the premises.
Hair salons will be temporarily closed starting from Thursday and the arrangement will be reviewed on February 24. Photo: May Tse
Other social-distancing rules
How many diners can sit at a table?
All restaurants except for so-called Type D ones will be limited to two diners per table. Type D restaurants – where all staff are fully vaccinated and patrons must have received at least one jab – will be limited to four people per table, instead of the current six.
Hair salons and religious places will be temporarily closed starting from Thursday, subject to a review on February 24. The other premises such as beauty parlours, gyms, swimming pools, entertainment facilities and theme parks will remain closed until midnight on February 24.
Can my employer fire me if I am not vaccinated or if I am absent from work because of a compulsory test or lockdown?
Yes. The employment laws will be amended soon. Employees who are fired for not adhering to vaccine pass rules will not be treated as having been unfairly dismissed, while residents affected by lockdowns and quarantine orders will be eligible to apply for sick leave.
Is there any financial support if I lose my job due to the pandemic?
A sixth round of anti-epidemic relief funding totalling HK$26 billion is hoped to be approved by lawmakers next Tuesday. Under the scheme, those suffering short-term unemployment will get a one-off HK$10,000 handout, while those on the pandemic front line such as cleaners, security guards and airport cargo workers will receive a monthly stipend of HK$2,000 for five months from February. |
