On 4 March 2022, the Chief Justice announced a GAP period between 7 March and 11 April 2022 in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.

During the GAP period, the capacity and operations of the judiciary will be substantially reduced, and all hearings of the courts and tribunals originally listed in the GAP period will be generally adjourned, subject to directions from the courts and the exceptions set out in the announcement, which include :

1. hearings for civil and criminal proceedings and appeals that had already commenced and are ongoing,
2. hearings for civil and criminal proceedings scheduled to commence in the GAP period but which are directed by the court to be dealt with remotely,
3. urgent applications to the Duty Judge and Duty Master, and
4. urgent appeals and applications to the Court of Appeal.

In addition, all registries, accounts and other court offices will be closed during the GAP period except for, amongst other things, supporting court business that will continue during the GAP period or filing of urgent applications subject to limitation periods or other time limits imposed by court orders or legislation.

The full list of court business that will continue during the GAP period are set out in the judiciary’s announcement (link).