Govt to gradually resume public services from April 1

The government announced on Friday that various departments will gradually resume public services from April 1, with a view to largely resuming all normal services from April 21.

In a statement, authorities said the move is in line with the government decision to gradually relax social distancing measures from April 21.

“As the public service provider, the Government needs to be well prepared prior to the phased relaxation of most of the social distancing measures… Due to the restrictions of the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) or its regulations, and given that bureaux and departments will need to mobilise manpower and resources for the overriding mission of fighting against the epidemic, certain non-emergency or non-essential services might continue to be affected, and they may be resumed at a later time,” a government spokesperson said.

Officials added that social distancing and infection control measures will continue to be adopted at government offices, including staggering of work and lunch hours, and arranging video conferencing as far as possible.

The government also advised private companies to continue letting their staff members work from home.

“Although there are signs that the epidemic situation is stabilising, the spokesman appeals to all employers in Hong Kong to continue to allow their staff members to work from home as far as possible so as to drastically reduce the flow of people and social contact in the community, and to resume normal operation in a gradual, timely and orderly manner,” the statement added.