COVID-19: To meet, or not to meet – public gathering ban and general meetings in Hong Kong

One of the most wide-reaching is the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap.599G) (Regulation), issued on 28 March 2020. Under the Regulation, all gatherings of more than four persons in public places are prohibited for a period of 14 days (specified period), subject to certain exemptions. While the ban is currently intended to last until 11 April 2020, the possibility that the specified period will be extended cannot be ruled out. Given that general meetings usually involve a gathering of more than four persons at places which might be regarded as public places, companies must carefully consider the Regulation when planning their general meetings. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 1 April 2020 issued a joint statement helpfully clarifying the application of the Regulation in this context.