The Government yesterday (July 20) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effective from … read more
Three charities have been issued Public Subscription Permits to hold flag sales on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories separately from 7am to 12.30pm today (July 21). The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been informed by one of the charities that the regional flag-selling activity scheduled to be held by it today has been cancelled, a spokesman for the SWD said.
Information on the regional flag-selling activities today is as follows:
| Region | Name of organisation | Colour of collection bag | Colour of flag |
| Kowloon | Retina Hong Kong | Green | White |
| New Territories | Yan Oi Tong Limited | Yellow | Yellow |
| Region | Name of organisation | Contact person | Contact number |
| Hong Kong Island | Taishan Charitable Association Limited | Miss See | 2578 0008 |
The Government will gazette amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to maintain most of the social distancing measures currently in place, and introduce a new type of scheduled premises, namely “event premises”, with a view to specifying restrictions and requirements applicable to certain events with greater clarity so that social and economic activities can be resumed gradually in a controlled manner. The above directions and specifications will take effect from 0.00am on July 22, for a period of 14 days till August 4 (the specified period).
A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, “Many social and economic activities have gradually resumed over time under the two phases of relaxation of social distancing measures based on ‘vaccine bubble’, allowing the general public to resume normal life slowly.”
“However, we note that members of the public may not be fully certain of the restrictions and requirements applicable to individual activities, especially for closed-door activities held in premises accessible by the public. To enhance clarity on the requirements that are to be complied with and ensure consistency of requirements applicable to activities of similar nature, the Government will introduce a new type of scheduled premises, namely ‘event premises’, where specified events such as meetings, forums, symposiums, exhibitions, ceremonial events and celebratory events (including weddings and certain business meetings) can be conducted subject to the adoption of relevant infection control measures. We believe the arrangement can allow event organisers to be more certain about the restrictions and requirements applicable to the events, while at the same time minimising public health risks, so that social and economic activities can resume in a gradual manner during this period with stable epidemic situation.”
“If the vaccination rate in Hong Kong can be raised sooner to achieve herd immunity, the social distancing measures can be further relaxed to allow Hong Kong to return to normality as soon as possible. Although the Government has procured sufficient doses of the CoronaVac and Comirnaty vaccines for the whole population, given the persistently tight global supply of vaccines, the quantity currently being delivered to Hong Kong have been unstable and may even result in shortage of supply. As a result, we call on the public to act immediately and receive vaccination as early as possible to get early protection.”
The details of the latest requirements and restrictions during the specified period (see Annex 1 for requirements and restrictions under Cap. 599F) are as follows:
Catering business
(1) The existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business will be maintained during the specified period. Except for bars or pubs which are subject to other requirements, all catering business must operate according to one of the operating modes among Types A, B, C and D Mode of Operation, with details in Annex 2.
Bars and pubs
(2) The existing requirements and restrictions applicable to bars and pubs will be maintained during the specified period, with details in Annex 2.
Scheduled premises
(3) Specified events (including meetings, forums, symposiums, exhibitions, ceremonial and celebratory events, as well as weddings and certain business meetings which were exempted group gatherings prior to the legislative amendments) can be conducted at event premises subject to relevant requirements and restrictions. The relevant requirements and restrictions include:
(a) if at least two-thirds of the people participating in the aforementioned specified event have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the number of persons to be allowed would be 100 per cent of the normal capacity of the event premises, otherwise the number of persons to be allowed would be 50 per cent of the normal capacity;
(b) unless otherwise specified, no more than four persons or the number of persons living in the same household, whichever is more, may be allowed in each group of guests or participants, except when the persons are participating in a photo-taking session and all of the relevant persons are wearing masks;
(c) for seating at an auditorium setting or spectator stands, seats to be occupied must not exceed 85 per cent of the seating capacity and no more than six consecutive seats in the same row may be occupied;
(d) catering premises in an event premise must operate in accordance with the aforementioned restrictions and requirements applicable to catering businesses, including to operate according to one of the operating modes among Types A, B, C and D Mode of Operation. Any part(s) of the event premises being used or operated as scheduled premises such as fitness centre, amusement game centre or sports premises must operate in accordance with the restrictions and requirements applicable to these premises.
(4) Starting from July 30, “cruise-to-nowhere” itineraries can resume subject to compliance with a set of infection control measures by cruise operators. The relevant measures include:
(a) all crew members must be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before commencement of a cruise journey, except for those who can produce valid medical certificate to prove that they are unfit to do so because of health reasons; and all crew members are still required to undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction-based (PCR) nucleic acid test regularly;
(b) all passengers must be fully vaccinated before commencement of a cruise journey, except for those who can produce valid medical certificate to prove that they are unfit to do so because of health reasons and those aged below 16 (Note); and all passengers have to present a proof of negative result of a COVID-19 PCR nucleic acid test conducted within 48 hours prior to boarding;
(c) cruise operators are required to adopt a maximum 50 per cent passenger capacity on a cruise ship, comply with the respective sets of hygiene and social distancing measures in force at the time for various premises and facilities similar to those regulated under Cap. 599F, and put in place contact tracing mechanism for journeys; and
(d) passengers are required to use the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile application to scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code of the cruise ship before boarding. After boarding, they must also follow the social distancing and contact tracing mechanism executed by the cruise operators.
(5) During the specified period, the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to the following scheduled premises under Cap. 599F will be maintained. They can operate according to the specified operation mode if specified measures are adopted (details in Annex 1 and Annex 2). Otherwise, they should continue to be closed:
(a) bathhouses;
(b) premises (commonly known as party rooms) that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings;
(c) establishments (commonly known as clubs or nightclubs) that are open late into the night, usually for drinking, and dancing or other entertainment;
(d) karaoke establishments; and
(e) mahjong-tin kau premises.
(6) As far as places of public entertainment are concerned, if at least two-thirds of the staff members and visitors or customers have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the number of persons to be allowed would be 100 per cent of the normal capacity of the premises, otherwise the number of persons to be allowed would be maintained at the current levels.
(7) During the specified period, the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to other scheduled premises under Cap. 599F will be maintained. These scheduled premises can be opened when the relevant requirements and restrictions are fulfilled (including arranging for all staff members involved in the operation of the premises to undergo a PCR nucleic acid test for COVID-19 once every 14 days, the samples of which must be collected by using combined nasal and throat swabs and must not be taken by the person to be tested starting from July 29, or complete a COVID-19 vaccination course as an alternative).
(8) Persons responsible for carrying on catering businesses and managers of scheduled premises that contravene the statutory requirements under Cap. 599F would have committed a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. In addition, persons who are present at any premises of a catering business or any scheduled premises have to comply with directions applicable to them. Non-compliance with the relevant directions would be an offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000. The liability may be discharged by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. In particular, a staff member or a customer who makes false declarations or provides false information under the relevant measures would be regarded as non-compliant with the directions issued under Cap. 599F and would be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000. Any contravention against group gathering requirements within a premises under Cap. 599F would be handled according to the requirements under Cap. 599G, which means that participants of the group gathering would be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000.
Group gathering
(9) Unless exempted (the exempted group gatherings under Cap. 599G as amended are in Annex 4), the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue during the specified period. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with.
(10) Any person who participates in a prohibited group gathering; organises a prohibited group gathering; owns, controls or operates the place of such a gathering; and knowingly allows the taking place of such a gathering commits an offence under Cap. 599G. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who participate in a prohibited group gathering may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. A staff member or a customer who makes false declarations or provides false information under the relevant measures may be regarded as participating in a prohibited group gathering and subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000.
Mask-wearing requirement
(11) The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will be extended during the specified period. A person must wear a mask at all times when the person is boarding or on board a public transport carrier, is entering or present in an MTR paid area, or is entering or present in a specified public place (i.e. all public places, save for outdoor public places in country parks and special areas as defined in section 2 of the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208)).
(12) Under Cap. 599I, if a person does not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement, an authorised person may deny that person from boarding a public transport carrier or entering the area concerned, as well as require that person to wear a mask and disembark from the carrier or leave the said area. A person in contravention of the relevant provision commits an offence and the maximum penalty is a fine at level 3 ($10,000). In addition, authorised public officers may issue fixed penalty notices to persons who do not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement and such persons may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000.
Note: Starting from September 1, 2021, all customers aged between 12 to 15 must have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. read more
The Government will gazette amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to maintain most of the social distancing measures currently in place, and introduce a new type of scheduled premises, namely “event premises”, with a view to specifying restrictions and requirements applicable to certain events with greater clarity so that social and economic activities can be resumed gradually in a controlled manner. The above directions and specifications will take effect from 0.00am on July 22, for a period of 14 days till August 4 (the specified period).
A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, “Many social and economic activities have gradually resumed over time under the two phases of relaxation of social distancing measures based on ‘vaccine bubble’, allowing the general public to resume normal life slowly.”
“However, we note that members of the public may not be fully certain of the restrictions and requirements applicable to individual activities, especially for closed-door activities held in premises accessible by the public. To enhance clarity on the requirements that are to be complied with and ensure consistency of requirements applicable to activities of similar nature, the Government will introduce a new type of scheduled premises, namely ‘event premises’, where specified events such as meetings, forums, symposiums, exhibitions, ceremonial events and celebratory events (including weddings and certain business meetings) can be conducted subject to the adoption of relevant infection control measures. We believe the arrangement can allow event organisers to be more certain about the restrictions and requirements applicable to the events, while at the same time minimising public health risks, so that social and economic activities can resume in a gradual manner during this period with stable epidemic situation.”
“If the vaccination rate in Hong Kong can be raised sooner to achieve herd immunity, the social distancing measures can be further relaxed to allow Hong Kong to return to normality as soon as possible. Although the Government has procured sufficient doses of the CoronaVac and Comirnaty vaccines for the whole population, given the persistently tight global supply of vaccines, the quantity currently being delivered to Hong Kong have been unstable and may even result in shortage of supply. As a result, we call on the public to act immediately and receive vaccination as early as possible to get early protection.”
The details of the latest requirements and restrictions during the specified period (see Annex 1 for requirements and restrictions under Cap. 599F) are as follows:
Catering business
(1) The existing requirements and restrictions applicable to catering business will be maintained during the specified period. Except for bars or pubs which are subject to other requirements, all catering business must operate according to one of the operating modes among Types A, B, C and D Mode of Operation, with details in Annex 2.
Bars and pubs
(2) The existing requirements and restrictions applicable to bars and pubs will be maintained during the specified period, with details in Annex 2.
Scheduled premises
(3) Specified events (including meetings, forums, symposiums, exhibitions, ceremonial and celebratory events, as well as weddings and certain business meetings which were exempted group gatherings prior to the legislative amendments) can be conducted at event premises subject to relevant requirements and restrictions. The relevant requirements and restrictions include:
(a) if at least two-thirds of the people participating in the aforementioned specified event have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the number of persons to be allowed would be 100 per cent of the normal capacity of the event premises, otherwise the number of persons to be allowed would be 50 per cent of the normal capacity;
(b) unless otherwise specified, no more than four persons or the number of persons living in the same household, whichever is more, may be allowed in each group of guests or participants, except when the persons are participating in a photo-taking session and all of the relevant persons are wearing masks;
(c) for seating at an auditorium setting or spectator stands, seats to be occupied must not exceed 85 per cent of the seating capacity and no more than six consecutive seats in the same row may be occupied;
(d) catering premises in an event premise must operate in accordance with the aforementioned restrictions and requirements applicable to catering businesses, including to operate according to one of the operating modes among Types A, B, C and D Mode of Operation. Any part(s) of the event premises being used or operated as scheduled premises such as fitness centre, amusement game centre or sports premises must operate in accordance with the restrictions and requirements applicable to these premises.
(4) Starting from July 30, “cruise-to-nowhere” itineraries can resume subject to compliance with a set of infection control measures by cruise operators. The relevant measures include:
(a) all crew members must be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before commencement of a cruise journey, except for those who can produce valid medical certificate to prove that they are unfit to do so because of health reasons; and all crew members are still required to undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction-based (PCR) nucleic acid test regularly;
(b) all passengers must be fully vaccinated before commencement of a cruise journey, except for those who can produce valid medical certificate to prove that they are unfit to do so because of health reasons and those aged below 16 (Note); and all passengers have to present a proof of negative result of a COVID-19 PCR nucleic acid test conducted within 48 hours prior to boarding;
(c) cruise operators are required to adopt a maximum 50 per cent passenger capacity on a cruise ship, comply with the respective sets of hygiene and social distancing measures in force at the time for various premises and facilities similar to those regulated under Cap. 599F, and put in place contact tracing mechanism for journeys; and
(d) passengers are required to use the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile application to scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” venue QR code of the cruise ship before boarding. After boarding, they must also follow the social distancing and contact tracing mechanism executed by the cruise operators.
(5) During the specified period, the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to the following scheduled premises under Cap. 599F will be maintained. They can operate according to the specified operation mode if specified measures are adopted (details in Annex 1 and Annex 2). Otherwise, they should continue to be closed:
(a) bathhouses;
(b) premises (commonly known as party rooms) that are maintained or intended to be maintained for hire for holding social gatherings;
(c) establishments (commonly known as clubs or nightclubs) that are open late into the night, usually for drinking, and dancing or other entertainment;
(d) karaoke establishments; and
(e) mahjong-tin kau premises.
(6) As far as places of public entertainment are concerned, if all staff members and at least two-thirds of the visitors or customers have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the number of persons to be allowed would be 100 per cent of the normal capacity of the premises, otherwise the number of persons to be allowed would be maintained at the current levels.
(7) During the specified period, the existing requirements and restrictions applicable to other scheduled premises under Cap. 599F will be maintained. These scheduled premises can be opened when the relevant requirements and restrictions are fulfilled (including arranging for all staff members involved in the operation of the premises to undergo a PCR nucleic acid test for COVID-19 once every 14 days, the samples of which must be collected by using combined nasal and throat swabs and must not be taken by the person to be tested starting from July 29, or complete a COVID-19 vaccination course as an alternative).
(8) Persons responsible for carrying on catering businesses and managers of scheduled premises that contravene the statutory requirements under Cap. 599F would have committed a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. In addition, persons who are present at any premises of a catering business or any scheduled premises have to comply with directions applicable to them. Non-compliance with the relevant directions would be an offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000. The liability may be discharged by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. In particular, a staff member or a customer who makes false declarations or provides false information under the relevant measures would be regarded as non-compliant with the directions issued under Cap. 599F and would be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000. Any contravention against group gathering requirements within a premises under Cap. 599F would be handled according to the requirements under Cap. 599G, which means that participants of the group gathering would be subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000.
Group gathering
(9) Unless exempted (the exempted group gatherings under Cap. 599G as amended are in Annex 4), the prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places will continue during the specified period. The requirement is also applicable to group gatherings in catering business and scheduled premises regulated under Cap. 599F in which the relevant requirements or restrictions are not complied with.
(10) Any person who participates in a prohibited group gathering; organises a prohibited group gathering; owns, controls or operates the place of such a gathering; and knowingly allows the taking place of such a gathering commits an offence under Cap. 599G. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who participate in a prohibited group gathering may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000. A staff member or a customer who makes false declarations or provides false information under the relevant measures may be regarded as participating in a prohibited group gathering and subject to a fixed penalty of $5,000.
Mask-wearing requirement
(11) The mandatory mask-wearing requirement under Cap. 599I will be extended during the specified period. A person must wear a mask at all times when the person is boarding or on board a public transport carrier, is entering or present in an MTR paid area, or is entering or present in a specified public place (i.e. all public places, save for outdoor public places in country parks and special areas as defined in section 2 of the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208)).
(12) Under Cap. 599I, if a person does not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement, an authorised person may deny that person from boarding a public transport carrier or entering the area concerned, as well as require that person to wear a mask and disembark from the carrier or leave the said area. A person in contravention of the relevant provision commits an offence and the maximum penalty is a fine at level 3 ($10,000). In addition, authorised public officers may issue fixed penalty notices to persons who do not wear a mask in accordance with the requirement and such persons may discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000.
Note: Starting from September 1, 2021, all customers aged between 12 to 15 must have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. read more
The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at 11 specified premises during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.
Two preliminary positive cases arriving from Saudi Arabia, and one imported case arriving from France who has lived in Hong Kong within the past 21 days were detected and recorded today (July 20). The cases involved L452R mutant strain. Ten specified premises visited by the cases are included in the compulsory testing notice. Also, in relation to the previous cases with the L452R mutant strain and epidemiological linkage with imported cases, any person who had been present at one specified premises during the specified period had to undergo additional testing.
For prudence’s sake, the above compulsory testing requirements apply to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well. If the tropical cyclone signal No. 3 or above is hoisted, or a red/black rainstorm warning signal or “extreme conditions after super typhoons” announced by the Government is/are in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be extended for one day.
Details of the compulsory testing notice are in Annex 1.
Subsequent to the announcement by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on the updated quarantine arrangements of local COVID-19 cases with a mutant strain, persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on the third, seventh, 12th and 19th days counting from the announcement of the relevant confirmed case by the Department of Health (DH). Relevant persons have to undergo testing on specified dates. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day (see the details of the buildings and dates of testing at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf).
In accordance with the compulsory testing notice issued earlier, all household members of close contacts are required to undergo compulsory testing. Any person who had lived with a person placed under quarantine pursuant to section 22 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (person under quarantine) in the same residential unit on the date of commencement of quarantine or during the 14 days before that day, and who becomes aware of the quarantine of the person under quarantine when the relevant quarantine has not yet been completed, has to undergo testing within two days of him or her becoming aware that the person under quarantine has been placed under quarantine and report to the Government the result of the test by phone (6275 6901), fax (2530 5872) or email (ct@csb.gov.hk) within three days of undergoing the test.
Community testing centres (CTCs) provide testing services for the public, including free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming three weeks to facilitate the public’s planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm today, there were around 26 000 booking places available for tomorrow (July 21) at the CTCs, and around 87 per cent and 92 per cent availability for booking places for the coming seven days and 14 days respectively. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
As mobile specimen collection stations were closed today because of adverse weather, the relevant testing deadline for specified persons in relation to Port Centre, Aberdeen subject to compulsory testing today will be extended by one day to July 21. The Government will set up mobile specimen collection stations at the following locations tomorrow for persons subject to compulsory testing for free:
• Lay-by on Nam Ning Street, Aberdeen (outside entrance of Carpark of Site 4 & 5, Aberdeen Centre) (July 21)
• Town Square at Citygate, Tung Chung and Public Open Space of Tung Chung Crescent (July 21 to 23)
Outdoor mobile specimen collection stations will be closed if the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 or Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted while all mobile specimen collection stations together with all CTCs will be closed when the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal or higher or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted.
Coupled with 18 CTCs, there will be a total of 35 CTCs/mobile specimen collection stations in various districts tomorrow to provide free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. The testing capacity should be sufficient to meet the demand. The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations in various districts providing free COVID-19 nucleic acid testing services for the general public are stated in Annex 2. Persons subject to compulsory testing and those with the “LeaveHomeSafe” COVID-19 exposure notification or SMS notification from the CHP reminding them to undergo testing as soon as possible may receive free testing at CTCs or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable).
Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:
1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;
2. To attend any of the CTCs (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en);
3. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from any of the 121 post offices, vending machines set up at 20 MTR stations or 47 designated general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
4. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority;
5. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf); or
6. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the sample collected as per relevant guidelines.
A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority or during hospital stays, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.
“If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the CTCs,” said the spokesman.
Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing the result of the test for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.
Furthermore, persons subject to testing under the compulsory testing notices should, as far as reasonably practicable, take appropriate personal disease prevention measures including wearing a mask and maintaining hand hygiene, and, unless for the purpose of undergoing the specified test, stay at their place of residence and avoid going out until the test result is ascertained as far as possible.
Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm. If persons subject to compulsory testing plan to conduct testing at any of the CTCs, they can check the centre’s appointment status in advance. The hotlines of the CTCs are available at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en/info.
The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to the relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.
Relevant officers of different government departments are empowered to perform certain functions under the relevant Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599), including requesting individuals to provide information and assistance when necessary. Any person who fails to comply with the relevant request commits an offence and would be liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000). Collection and use of any personal data for conducting COVID-19 tests must meet the requirements under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486). Government departments or testing service providers which handle the relevant information may provide the data to the DH or other relevant departments for anti-epidemic purposes as necessary. The workflow does not involve the provision of any personal data to organisations or persons outside Hong Kong.
The spokesman said, “The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or contacted confirmed cases), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons.” read more