Author Archives: hksar gov

     A 43-year-old man was sentenced to 120 hours’ community service by the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today (August 11) for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap. 599D) (the Regulation).  The case was the first conviction case under the Regulation.

     The man was found to have provided false information to a medical practitioner about his travel history during a medical appointment at the Queen Mary Hospital on March 4. He was charged with contravening section 4 of the Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap. 599D) and was sentenced by the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today to 120 hours’ community service.

     Under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation (Cap. 599D), it is a criminal offence for any person to provide false or misleading information to health officers/medical practitioners acting in the course of professional practice. Offenders face a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months.   

     A spokesman for the DH said the sentence sends a clear message to the community that breaching regulations related to combating COVID-19 is a criminal offence that the Government will not tolerate and solemnly reminds the public to comply with the regulations. The spokesman reiterated that resolute actions will be taken against anyone who has breached the relevant regulations.    read more

     A 42-year-old woman was sentenced to immediate imprisonment for seven days by the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts today (August 11) for violating the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C) (the Regulation).

     The woman was earlier issued a compulsory quarantine order stating that she must conduct quarantine at a residential address stated by herself on the quarantine order for 14 days. The woman was later found to have given a false residential address for use as the place of quarantine to an authorised officer at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. She was charged with contravening section 9 of the Regulation and was sentenced by the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts today to immediate imprisonment for seven days.

     Pursuant to the Regulation, starting from February 8, save for exempted persons, all persons who have stayed in the Mainland, Macao or Taiwan in the 14 days preceding arrival in Hong Kong, regardless of their nationality or travel documents, will be subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. Moreover, pursuant to the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E), starting from March 19, all persons arriving from countries or territories outside China would also be subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. Breaching a quarantine order is a criminal offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     A spokesman for the DH said the sentence sends a clear message to the community that breaching compulsory quarantine orders is a criminal offence that the Government will not tolerate and solemnly reminds the public to comply with the Regulation.   As of today, a total of 37 persons have been convicted by the courts for breaching compulsory quarantine orders and have received sentences including immediate imprisonment for up to three months or fine of $15,000. The spokesman reiterated that resolute actions will be taken against anyone who has breached the relevant regulations.    read more

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government strongly objects to the notice published today (August 11) on the United States (US) Federal Register by the Customs and Border Protection in relation to origin marking of Hong Kong products.
 
     A Government spokesman said, “The new rule on origin marking of Hong Kong products originates from the US President’s Executive Order issued on July 14 and reflects that the US ignores Hong Kong’s status as a separate member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The rule may not be consistent with WTO rules, and it will also not help protect consumers’ interest. In fact, it will only cause confusion and affect the interests of all parties, including the US.”
 
     “The special status as a separate customs territory enjoyed by the HKSAR under ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is conferred by the Constitution of the PRC and the Basic Law. It is recognised by multilateral organisations such as the WTO, and is not granted or revocable by an individual country,” the spokesman said.
 
     According to the notice, the new rule will be implemented after 45 days. The HKSAR Government is clarifying certain important implementation details with the US authorities through the Economic and Trade Office in Washington in order to decide on the way forward. The HKSAR Government will maintain liaison with and provide clarification to the trade. The HKSAR Government will also carefully consider if the US’ measures contravene WTO rules, and does not rule out the possibility of taking action under WTO rules if necessary to protect Hong Kong’s interests. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 0.00am, August 11, the CHP was investigating 33 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 4 182 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 4 181 confirmed cases and one probable case).
     
     Among the newly reported cases announced, one had a travel history during the incubation period.

     The CHP’s epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).

     In view of the severe epidemic situation, the CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. As a number of recent cases involve elderly people, the CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with every day tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
 
     A spokesman for the CHP said, “Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
 
     “The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
 
     “As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly, regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps) and cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use. After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.”
 
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infections and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the “StayHomeSafe” mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
 
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:

     • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
     • Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
     • Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
     • Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use;
     • After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
     • Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
     • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
     • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. read more

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (August 11) met with the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, to relay to him the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) today for the sixth-term LegCo to continue to discharge duties and exchange initial views on the resumption of operation of the LegCo.
 
     Stressing that the postponement of the LegCo General Election was a very difficult decision, she told Mr Leung that it was a necessary decision in view of the COVID-19 epidemic, public safety and public health as well as to ensure the election can be conducted openly and fairly. She said she was pleased to note that the decision has been well received by the community, including pro-establishment LegCo members.
 
     “The current epidemic situation in Hong Kong remains severe and various sectors have been hard hit. Even after the epidemic has eased, there will still be plenty of work in relation to economic recovery and relieving people’s burdens, which would require the sincere co-operation of the executive and the legislature. I hope that under the continued leadership of Mr Leung, LegCo members can set aside their differences and disputes, and rebuild mutual trust for the well-being of the Hong Kong people,” Mrs Lam said.
 
     Mrs Lam said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is hammering out at full steam details of the anti-epidemic work supported by the Central People’s Government and the Government is pleased to explain it to LegCo members later in detail. She will also meet the current-term LegCo members in batches gradually to listen to their views. read more