HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will team up with police to patrol the city's nightlife districts to ensure compliance with the government's social-distancing measures with Halloween around the corner.  

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department reminded people to “make every effort” to follow the government’s guidelines and health experts’ advice, and exercise self-discipline

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, FEHD reminded people to “make every effort” to follow the government’s guidelines and health experts’ advice, and exercise self-discipline.

Catering businesses and their patrons in Hong Kong were urged to comply with the city’s anti-COVID regulations. 

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The FEHD said it had spoken to industry representatives, who indicated that they would fully cooperate. The department plans to patrol with police across the city's nightlife districts in the coming Halloween weekend and on its eve.

Starting Friday, a day before Halloween Eve, local restaurants can entertain six customers per table, up from four. 

The cap on the number of people allowed per table at bars will also be relaxed to four from two. Dine-in service is banned from 2 am to 5 am.

Operators face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 (US$6,450) and imprisonment for six months if they fail to comply. Diners who fail to wear a mask when they are at restaurants but not eating or drinking are liable to a maximum fine if HK$5,000 or be issued with a fixed penalty notice of HK$2,000.

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Hong Kong reported only two COVID-19 cases, all imported, on Wednesday, marking the third day in a row of no locally transmitted infection.