The Government yesterday (May 1) 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 4pm yesterday, under which people (hereafter referred to as "persons subject to compulsory testing") within the specified "restricted area" in Sha Tin (i.e. Wing Shing House, Fung Shing Court, Sha Tin, excluding non-domestic units on G/F) were required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing. Persons subject to compulsory testing are required to stay in their premises until all such persons identified in the "restricted area" have undergone testing and the test results are mostly ascertained.
 
     In addition, the Government issued a compulsory testing notice yesterday to any person who had been present at the above building for more than two hours from April 25 to May 1, 2022, even if they were not present in the "restricted area" at the time when the declaration took effect, must undergo compulsory testing on or before May 3, 2022. As a mutant strain is involved, for prudence's sake, vaccinated persons and persons who have recently been tested are also required to undergo testing.
 
     The Government finished the compulsory testing exercise at around 7.30am today (May 2) and is now carrying out enforcement actions in the "restricted area" to verify that all people in the "restricted area" have undergone compulsory testing. The Government will further announce the revocation time of the declaration.
 
     Starting from around 7.30am today, persons in the specified "restricted area" in Sha Tin who have undergone testing and are able to present SMS notifications with negative test results as proof of having undergone testing may leave the "restricted area" through the designated exit after providing personal information to a prescribed officer.
 
     The Government set up temporary specimen collection stations in the "restricted area" yesterday and requested persons subject to compulsory testing to collect combined nasal and throat swab samples at the stations to undergo a COVID-19 virus test before 10pm yesterday. A total of about 1 439 persons had undergone testing. Amongst them, two tested positive cases were found and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health will take follow-up action. Regarding cases tested positive in the specified "restricted area", the Government will provide health advice for persons tested positive pending admission to hospitals or isolation facilities, disinfection products and surgical masks to these persons and their household members pending follow-up arrangement.
 
     Moreover, the Government also assigned staff to visit about 816 households within the "restricted area", among which 131 households did not answer the door. The Government will take measures to follow up.
 
     The Government reiterates that enforcement actions will be taken seriously. Any person who fails to present an SMS notification with a test result as proof of having undergone testing breaches the compulsory testing notice and may be liable to a fine of $10,000. The person will also be issued with a compulsory testing order, requiring him/her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the compulsory testing order or the "restriction-testing declaration" is an offence and the offender may be liable to a fine of level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (May 1) that the Vaccine Pass requirement has entered the second stage. The FEHD yesterday (April 30) continued to step up its inspections territory-wide and conducted joint operations with the Police in Southern, Mong Kok, Shum Shui Po, Kwun Tong, Tai Po and Sai Kung Districts, so as to take enforcement actions against operators, staff and customers of catering businesses and certain other premises in defiance of the anti-epidemic regulations. The spokesman again reminded parties concerned to remain vigilant and strictly comply with the requirements and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) (the Cap. 599F Regulation), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and more.

      For the avoidance of doubt, according to the prevailing directions in relation to catering business under the Cap. 599F Regulation, the provisions (a) scanning the "LeaveHomeSafe" (LHS) venue QR code using the LHS mobile application (hereinafter abbreviated as "scanning LHS"); and (b) complying with the requirements in the Vaccine Pass Direction, exist in parallel. Both provisions are required to be complied with.

     As mentioned in the press release issued by the FEHD on April 28, "QR Code Verification Scanner" can be used to scan the QR code of vaccination record or Medical Exemption Certificate, or recovery record displayed on LHS mobile application (the relevant QR code). If a customer does not store his or her relevant QR code on the LHS mobile application, but displays it through other means ("eHealth", "iAMSmart" or on paper), the premises operator can also scan that QR code with the "QR Code Verification Scanner" to fulfil the provision on the Vaccine Pass requirement; however, that customer is still required to undergo scanning LHS (be this preceding or following scanning by "QR Code Verification Scanner") separately before being allowed to enter the premises.

     As noticed by enforcement officers, unlike the usual practice (scanning LHS first to obtain the relevant QR code displayed as a blue code with a blue border on a green background), some customers only use the vaccination record button to obtain the relevant QR code displayed as a blue code with a blue border on a white background, for scanning by "QR Code Verification Scanner". As the customer concerned has not undergone scanning LHS separately, the customer has been been issued with fixed penalty notice (FPN).

     The FEHD strongly recommends that the public should follow the usual practice of scanning LHS first to obtain the relevant QR code displayed as a blue code with a blue border on a green background. Otherwise, if the customer displays through other means as mentioned in paragraph three or displays it as a blue code with a blue border on a white background as mentioned in paragraph four, for scanning by "QR Code Verification Scanner", he or she is still required to undergo scanning LHS separately before being allowed to enter the catering premises.

     The FEHD simultaneously also reminds catering premises operators not to let down their guards. In undergoing scanning by "QR Code Verification Scanner", the operators must check that a customer's relevant QR code is displayed as a blue code with a blue border on a green background. If it is not so displayed, then the operators must remind the customers to undergo scanning LHS separately, before they are allowed to enter the premises. This will avoid both parties having to shoulder the consequences for their failure to comply with the relevant directions.

     The FEHD and the Police inspected a total of 93 catering premises and one other premises during the joint operations yesterday; and the FEHD on its own inspected a total of 390 catering premises and 123 other premises. The FEHD initiated procedures on prosecution against operators of 21 catering premises suspected of breaching the requirements under the directions. Details are as follows:
 

     The FEHD also required the premises to take corresponding measures for reducing the risk of transmission. Premises found with irregularities had to, on the subsequent day of being identified of the irregularities by the enforcement officers, cease selling or supplying food or drink for consumption on the premises from 6pm to 4.59am of the subsequent day, and allow no more than two persons to be seated together at one table, for a period of three, seven or 14 days. In addition, the FEHD also issued FPNs to five customers suspected of breaching the requirement of scanning LHS venue QR code. During the joint operations, the Police also took enforcement actions, including issuing FPNs. It is worth mentioning that FPNs were issued to 18 persons who were found playing mahjong in a catering premises.

     If a person responsible for carrying on a catering business contravenes the Regulation or the requirements and directions of the Vaccine Pass, he or she is liable to be prosecuted and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Persons who are present at catering premises or other specified premises must comply with directions applicable to them. Non-compliance with the relevant directions is 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 addition, for customers in breach of the requirement on the maximum number of persons per table within catering premises, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G). For customers not wearing a mask when they are not eating or drinking at a table therein or they are not eating or drinking, they are liable to a fixed penalty of $5,000 for contravening the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I).

     In addition, the FEHD conducted joint operations with several Government departments yesterday at public places where people including domestic helpers congregate during weekends and public holidays to carry out publicity and education work, appealing to them to raise their awareness of epidemic prevention and comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions.
          
     The FEHD, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Labour Department, relevant District Offices and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, conducted joint operations at various public places in Central and Western, Wan Chai, Eastern, Yau Tsim, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Sha Tin, Sai Kung and Tsuen Wan districts, near popular gathering places of domestic helpers during weekend and public holidays. Apart from arranging for cleansing service contractors to strengthen the street cleansing services at the relevant spots, the FEHD also stepped up patrols to combat unlicensed hawking activities. During the operation, five FPNs were issued to persons who breached public cleanliness offences. Domestic helpers have also been reminded by other government departments to comply with the regulations on mask wearing and the prohibition of gatherings in public places.

     To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the spokesman strongly appealed to all sectors of the community to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner. The FEHD has strengthened its publicity efforts, and will take stringent enforcement actions. All sectors are reminded to exercise self-discipline and co-operate to fight the virus together. Government departments will continue to conduct enforcement operations proactively, and urge premises operators not to defy the law.

     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 40 specified places during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     In view of a number of cases testing positive, 40 specified places are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo testing on time as required. Mobile specimen collection stations have been set up by the Government in different districts to facilitate testing to be conducted in compliance with the compulsory testing notice. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     Persons who have tested positive in the past three months (including positive cases tested either by nucleic acid tests recorded by the Department of Health (DH) or by rapid antigen tests (RATs) that have been self-declared to the DH) do not need to undergo compulsory testing. For those who are subject to compulsory testing (save for those who have declared their positive RAT results as mentioned above), they must undergo nucleic acid tests in accordance with relevant compulsory testing notices and cannot use RATs to fulfil the requirement of such notices. In other words, a negative RAT result cannot be deemed as fulfilling the compulsory testing requirement. Furthermore, unless a person subject to compulsory testing has obtained a medical certificate proving that he or she is unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons, the person cannot provide a deep throat saliva sample to fulfil the compulsory testing requirement.

     Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)'s website via the following link: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20220501.pdf.

     If any persons test positive under compulsory testing, such positive cases will be handled in the same manner as in those identified through other nucleic acid tests or self-declared through RATs. Their isolation arrangements (as well as the quarantine arrangements of their household members) are no different from other positive cases.

     Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen.

     The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated without delay. The Government is working towards the goal of boosting the vaccination rates of children, teenagers and the elderly so that they can be protected by the vaccines as early as possible. Furthermore, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the CHP of the DH has updated the consensus interim recommendations, and persons aged 60 or above who have taken three doses of vaccine are recommended to receive an additional dose (i.e. fourth dose) of either Comirnaty vaccine or CoronaVac vaccine at least three months after their last dose. Members of the public who are eligible should get the fourth dose as early as possible for better protection.

     CTCs provide testing services for the public. 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 two 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 (May 1), there was around 97 per cent availability for booking places for the coming two weeks. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
 
     The Government will set up an additional mobile specimen collection station at Bellagio in Sham Tseng tomorrow (May 2), and the mobile specimen collection station at On Yam Estate in Kwai Chung will extend service to May 3 (Tuesday). Separately, ticketing machines have been installed in a number of service points for on-site ticket arrangement. Members of the public who have obtained a ticket can visit the CTC website (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to check the real-time queueing ticket status. Booking service is also provided for some large-scale mobile specimen collection stations, and members of the public may use the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to reserve a suitable time slot for testing.
 
     Other than persons subject to compulsory testing, all members of the public may conduct free testing at CTCs or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable). The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations are stated in the Annex.

     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:

(a) For tests which require using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs
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 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), and the relevant sample must be taken through combined nasal and throat swabs; or
4. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the stool sample collected as per relevant guidelines.

(b) For persons holding a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner proving that they are unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons
1. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from post offices, vending machines set up at MTR stations or designated general out-patient 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);
2. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority; or
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results.

     A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority, 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."

     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing the result of the test and the relevant medical certificate (if applicable) for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to 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 the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. The fixed penalty for discharging the liability is $10,000. The person may also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Any person in breach of the compulsory testing order would be liable to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     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 had contact with cases tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons."

     Police today (May 1) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tuen Mun.
      
     Cheung Man-lam, aged 23, went missing after she was last seen at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier Light Rail Station yesterday (April 30). Her family made a report to Police on the same day.
      
     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 52 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long straight black hair with a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt, blue shorts, slippers and a white mask.
      
     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 9473 9506 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
     

  

     Police today (May 1) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Aberdeen.
      
     Sou Man-i, aged 41, went missing after she left her residence at Wah Fu (II) Estate yesterday noon (April 30). Her family made a report to Police on the same day.
      
     She is about 1.4 metres tall, 40 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a pair of glasses, a green jacket, black trousers, black shoes and carrying a blue recycle bag.
      
     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Hong Kong Island on 2860 1040 or 9886 0034 or email to rmpu-hki@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.