Ban on large gathering relaxes from 1 July

The government on Thursday said the restriction on gathering of more than 500 people will be lifted from 1st July, according to an official press release.

However, extraordinary measures such as spacing rules would be required for those who stand in the open.

Earlier, in April, the authorities prohibited all public events with more than 500 attendees until 31 July.

The number of attendees at public events in enclosed outdoor spaces is still restricted to 500 until 31 July 2020. However, the permitted number of attendees may be exceeded in certain cases.

For outdoor events where there are several sections or demarcated areas intended for the audience, a total audience of more than 500 persons may be permitted starting on 1 July with special separation arrangements.

This requires that the event attendees can be placed in their own seating areas or viewing sections, each of which has a maximum capacity of 500 persons.

A clear buffer zone must be arranged between each viewing section in use. Each section must have its own access routes, services (including any food and beverage services and sanitary facilities) and event staff.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will issue a circular to the regional authorities on implementing the specifications referred above in accordance with the Communicable Diseases Act.