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  • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021500590.htm
    HA seriously condemns malicious behaviours of damaging general outpatient clinic
    ************************************************** ****************


    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    Regarding an incident of vandalism causing damages to a general outpatient clinic, the Hospital Authority (HA) issued the following statement today (February 15):

    The incident has caused damages to the Tai Po Jockey Club General Outpatient Clinic on Ting Kok Road, Tai Po this morning. An HA spokesperson seriously condemned the repeated malicious behaviours of damaging the general outpatient clinic, which would affect the safety of healthcare staff and patients.

    The spokesperson said that damaging medical facilities would affect the clinic's operations and compromise patient safety.

    The HA urged a stop to the act of vandalism and had referred the incident to the police, apart from stepping up the security of the clinic.



    Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
    Issued at HKT 18:50

    Comment


    • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021500620.htm

      EDB clarification
      *************


      Regarding a news report alleging that international schools are allowed to flexibly resume classes, a spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said today (February 15) that the allegation is misleading, adding that classes of all schools remain suspended and would not resume before March 16. The exact date of class resumption is subject to further assessment.

      The spokesman explained that in view of the situation of the novel coronavirus infection, the EDB has decided that classes of all schools remain suspended but schools should keep their premises open and step up cleansing with a view to taking care of some students in need.

      As regards schools offering non-local curriculum, including international schools, most of the international public examinations of the courses concerned will take place later than the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Hence, the teaching of some courses for the graduating classes and some coursework for school-based assessments required by these public examinations have not yet been completed. As compared to overseas students sitting for the same public examinations, the EDB understands that the above situation would have great impact on students in Hong Kong. In this regard, if schools have put in place all necessary preventive measures and allow parents to decide whether to let their children return to schools, the EDB has no objection for schools to flexibly arrange the graduating students sitting for the imminent international public examinations to attend the necessary tutorial sessions and assessment activities.

      In addition, taking into consideration that graduating students of non-local curriculum have to sit for related international public examinations for further studies or career development, the EDB agreed to allow these schools to serve as examination centres of these examinations. However, these schools should make reference to the preventive measures to be adopted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) for this year's HKDSE Examination.

      The EDB trusts that school management, principals and teachers, as education practitioners, will put the well-being of students as their prime concern and strike a balance between the needs of students for further studies and protection from the epidemic.

      The spokesman emphasised that the above-mentioned arrangements apply to the graduating class only, and that students of other grades should study at home, e.g. by means of e-learning, during class suspension. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, met with representatives of schools offering non-local curriculum yesterday (February 14), during which he had explained in detail the basic principles and arrangements for class suspension and responded to their queries and concerns.

      Regarding the HKDSE Examination, the teaching of the relevant courses has been completed. Students have also in general completed the coursework for school-based assessment. If there are individual cases of unfinished school-based assessment, the HKEAA has a mechanism to handle them.

      The EDB understands that some secondary schools have not conducted internal mock examinations for the HKDSE Examination before classes were suspended, but these examinations are not indispensable and there are other feasible alternatives. Therefore, under the current circumstances, it is not appropriate to hold them on school premises. The same principle applies to schools offering non-local curriculum.



      Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2020
      Issued at HKT 18:58


      Comment


      • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021600026.htm

        HKSAR Government is arranging chartered flight to take Hong Kong residents on board Diamond Princess cruise ship home free of charge
        ************************************************** **********************************


        A spokesman for the Security Bureau said on February 15 that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is arranging chartered flight to take the Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship back to Hong Kong free of charge soonest possible after they are permitted to disembark and land. Once the Japanese authorities have confirmed the detailed arrangements, the Government will inform the affected Hong Kong residents details of the return date and related arrangements as soon as possible.

        Taking into consideration the potential risk on public health, the persons concerned will be arranged to stay at quarantine centre for 14 days upon their arrival in Hong Kong.

        The Immigration Department (ImmD) officers are concurrently notifying all of the concerned Hong Kong residents the above arrangements by text messages.

        The ImmD and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Tokyo have been maintaining close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, to keep abreast of the updated conditions of those Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docking in Yokohama, Japan. The HKSAR Government will continue to urge the Japanese side to confirm the detailed arrangements for the disembarkation of the passengers on board as soon as possible.

        According to the information provided by the cruise operator, there are around 330 Hong Kong residents on board, including 260 holding a HKSAR passport and around 70 holding a foreign passport.



        Ends/Sunday, February 16, 2020
        Issued at HKT 0:48

        Comment


        • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021600614.htm

          Public hospital daily update on Wuhan-related cases
          ******************************************


          The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

          As at noon today (February 16), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 17 patients (six male and 11 female, aged 30 to 88) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent for testing.

          There are currently 103 patients under isolation. So far, two patients who had novel coronavirus infection have been discharged upon recovery.

          The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.



          Ends/Sunday, February 16, 2020
          Issued at HKT 18:55

          NNNN


          Comment


          • Source: https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2002162151/

            Hong Kong reports 57th confirmed case, 2nd cured case of COVID-19
            Xinhua
            18:39 UTC+8, 2020-02-16

            The number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in Hong Kong has increased to 57, while a second patient has been cured and discharged from the hospital, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said on Sunday afternoon.

            The 57th COVID-19 case in Hong Kong, which was confirmed on Sunday, involves a 54-year-old man living in the Taikoo Shing neighborhood on the Hong Kong Island. The man, with no history of travel during the incubation period, sought treatment at private clinic and public hospital after developing fever and cough days ago, Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the CHP's Communicable Disease Branch, said at the daily press briefing.

            The patient's wife has also been admitted to hospital after presenting with symptoms...

            Comment


            • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021600663.htm

              CHP investigates additional case of novel coronavirus infection
              **************************************************


              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 16), the CHP is investigating one additional case of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 57 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

              The new case involves a 54-year-old man (the 57th case) with good past health who lives in Ming Kung Mansion, Taikoo Shing. He developed fever since February 7 and cough since February 15. He consulted a private doctor on February 7 and 10 and sought medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on February 10. He consulted the same private doctor on February 13 and 15 and attended PYNEH again on February 15 and was admitted for isolation and management. His respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition.

              The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His wife who lived with him has developed symptoms and has been transferred to hospital for isolation and treatment. According to the patient, he attended a church activity at a church in Shau Kei Wan on February 9. Relevant contract tracing by the CHP is ongoing.

              A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged 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."

              The spokesman said, "On the 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. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

              "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

              The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

              The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. The CHP is also closely monitoring and following up on the contact tracing of relevant confirmed cases in the Mainland and overseas. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

              The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 14 612 calls were received.

              A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a "Novel Coronavirus Infection Local Situation Interactive Map Dashboard" are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates....

              ...Ends/Sunday, February 16, 2020
              Issued at HKT 20:05

              Comment


              • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700027.htm

                Government's guidelines on distributing protective gears
                *********************************************


                In response to media enquiries about the guidelines on distributing protective gears within the government, a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau gave the following reply yesterday (February 16):

                As the situation of novel coronavirus infection developed, the demand for protective gears such as masks and isolation gowns has drastically increased in recent days. Facing a worldwide shortage of masks, the Government Logistics Department (GLD) has already adopted a multi-pronged approach and stepped up its efforts in global sourcing to meet the government's operational requirements.

                The GLD has at present a stock of about 12 million masks. Together with the stock kept by individual departments and production by the Correctional Services Department, the current total stock can last for only about two months.

                It must be pointed out that all government departments have worked very hard to keep their demands for masks to a minimum and the total demand has been reduced to about 8 million masks per month, the majority of which are used for tackling and preventing the novel coronavirus infection. These include demand from medical and port health staff of the Department of Health and the staff from other government departments providing essential and emergency services. Taking the Police Force as an example, police officers have very often been deployed at the frontline to tackle the novel coronavirus infection together with other government departments, including stationing at quarantine centres and boundary control points to help with quarantine duties, as well as conducting spot checks on people under compulsory quarantine. The provision of masks to government officers who perform these duties is in compliance with the current guidelines on distribution of protective gears within the government.

                The GLD will comply strictly with the distribution guidelines and accord priority to frontline staff participating in quarantine-related work, execution of quarantine orders and maintenance of essential public services.



                Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                Issued at HKT 1:05

                Comment


                • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700504.htm

                  The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

                  As at noon today (February 17), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health the admission of 15 patients (eight male and seven female, aged 23 to 70) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent for testing.

                  There are currently 96 patients under isolation. So far, two patients who had novel coronavirus infection have been discharged upon recovery.

                  The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.



                  Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                  Issued at HKT 17:52

                  Comment


                  • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700654.htm

                    CHP investigates three additional cases of novel coronavirus infection
                    ************************************************** *****


                    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm today (February 17), the CHP is investigating three additional cases of novel coronavirus infection, taking to 60 the number of confirmed cases so far in Hong Kong.

                    The first case involves a 69-year-old man (the 58th case) with underlying illnesses who lives in Yee Ching House, Yee Ming Estate, Tseung Kwan O. He developed cough on February 8 and consulted a private doctor three times between February 8 and 13. He sought medical attention at Cheung Sha Wan Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic for persistent cough on February 15. He consulted the same private doctor again yesterday (February 16) for shortness of breath and was referred to Caritas Medical Centre and admitted for medical treatment. His respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contact is asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

                    The second case involves a 45-year-old man (the 59th case) who is the colleague of the 54-year-old male patient of the 57th case confirmed yesterday. The patient has good past health who lives in Oi Wah House, Tsz Oi Court, Tsz Wan Shan. He developed fever and sore throat since February 12 and consulted a private doctor on February 13. He sought medical attention at Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient travelled to Da Nang, Vietnam during the incubation period (from January 30 to February 1). The patient lives with his wife and three daughters, who are all asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

                    The third case involves a 46-year-old woman (the 60th case) who is the wife of the 57th case confirmed yesterday. The patient has good past health who lives in Ming Kung Mansion, Taikoo Shing. She developed runny nose since February 8 and cough since February 10. She consulted a private doctor on February 10 and was referred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for admission and treatment by the CHP yesterday. Her respiratory samples were tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. According to the patient, she attended a church activity at a church in Shau Kei Wan with her husband on February 9.

                    Relevant contract tracing by the CHP is ongoing.

                    A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected. The CHP strongly urged 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."

                    The spokesman said, "On the 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. The public should go out less and reduce social activities, and maintain appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible."

                    "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."

                    The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Health Bureau of Macao.

                    The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts. For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see annex.

                    The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries. The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm today, a total of 15 130 calls were received.

                    A dedicated webpage (www.gov.hk/ncv) has been set up by the CHP. Information including the latest local situation, list of buildings and list of flights/trains/ships relevant to the confirmed cases, countries/areas with reported cases as well as health advice and a "Novel Coronavirus Infection Local Situation Interactive Map Dashboard" are available on the webpage to help the public grasp the latest updates...


                    ...Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                    Issued at HKT 20:16

                    Comment


                    • Source: https://www.krmg.com/news/national/6...ZlTFZT4lVK7iJ/


                      600 rolls of toilet paper stolen by armed robbers amid coronavirus outbreak
                      By: Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
                      Published: February 17, 2020 7:52 AM

                      The coronavirus outbreak has had an unexpected consequence -- a rush on toilet paper.

                      And people are apparently going to desperate measures, turning to crime to get their hands on a roll.

                      Police in Hong Kong said men armed with knives stole about 600 rolls of toilet paper Monday, the BBC reported...

                      Comment


                      • Virus scare hits home for Hospital Authority after latest cases visited HQ for meeting

                        By Coconuts Hong Kong Feb 17, 2020 | 6:14pm Hong Kong time
                        The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has hit especially close to home for Hong Kong’s health authorities after two men believed to have been infected with the novel virus recently visited the Hospital Authority’s headquarters.
                        Unidentified sources told RTHK today that the city’s 57th confirmed coronavirus patient and another man who has preliminarily tested positive for the illness had been at the Hospital Authority’s offices on Argyle Street for a meeting a few days ago, and that the areas the pair had been to had since been sterilized.,,,https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/vi...q-for-meeting/
                        CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

                        treyfish2004@yahoo.com

                        Comment


                        • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700714.htm

                          Hospital Authority's follow up on two visitors confirmed with novel coronavirus infection
                          ************************************************** ********************


                          The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

                          In response to media enquiry, the spokesperson for Hospital Authority (HA) replies as follows:

                          The HA noted that two confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection had visited and participated in the meetings held at the HA Building on 6 and 7 February.

                          The HA will work with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on contact tracing. Both meetings were held before symptom onset of the concerned patients. All participants of the meetings have worn face masks. Investigations of the CHP are ongoing.

                          One of the staff members participated only in the meeting on 7 February has sore throat this evening. He will be sent to the hospital for the test of novel coronavirus. No other staff members have expressed feeling discomfort.

                          Since the commencement of the epidemic, the HA Head Office has arranged contractor to perform thorough cleansing and disinfection, and reminded colleagues to pay attention to personal hygiene, including wearing masks and washing hands frequently. The HA will further enhance cleansing in the building's common areas and meeting rooms. Video-conference will be arranged to reduce social contact where feasible.

                          The HA will continue to work with the CHP to follow up the cases.




                          Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                          Issued at HKT 21:36

                          Comment


                          • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700723.htm

                            Scientific committees under CHP review control strategy for novel coronavirus infection
                            ************************************************** ********************


                            The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Infection Control under the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection this afternoon (February 17) convened a joint meeting to review the measures in light of the latest situation of novel coronavirus infection in Hong Kong.

                            At the meeting today, members of the Scientific Committees were updated of the latest global and local situation of novel coronavirus infection. They also reviewed the current surveillance and control measures in Hong Kong.

                            Members agreed that there is evidence of community transmission of novel coronavirus in Hong Kong. In order to stop ongoing spread and prevent the disease from taking root locally, Hong Kong should continue to maintain the current strategy of isolating cases, quarantine of close contacts and medical surveillance of other contacts.

                            The Scientific Committees acknowledged that as the outbreaks in Mainland China continue to propagate, the existing measures to minimise the population movements between Hong Kong and Mainland China should remain in place and be periodically assessed.

                            Members also reviewed the quarantine period for contacts of confirmed cases. In view of the existing data on the incubation period of novel coronavirus, the quarantine period for close contacts is recommended to be maintained at 14 days. Members advised that when the quarantine centres have reached their full capacity, the close contacts should be quarantined in designated quarantine facilities for the first 10 days while they could be put under home quarantine for the remaining 4 days on a case-by-case basis.

                            The Scientific Committees recommended that the entire society should be mobilised to continue to strengthen social distancing measures, personal hygiene (including hand hygiene, cough manner, wearing a mask when having fever or respiratory symptom, etc) and environmental hygiene measures as far as practicable to minimise the further spread of the disease locally.

                            As some of the cases of novel coronavirus present with mild symptoms, in order to detect mild cases in the community and to have a better understanding of the epidemiological situation, members recommended that the enhanced surveillance be expanded from inpatient to outpatient settings.



                            Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                            Issued at HKT 21:18


                            Comment


                            • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700653.htm

                              S for S speaks on arranging Hong Kong residents under quarantine on board Diamond Princess cruise back to Hong Kong
                              ************************************************** ***********************************


                              Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session at the Hong Kong International Airport this afternoon (February 17):

                              Reporter: Can you give your statement in English please?

                              Secretary for Security: We care for and are concerned with the well-being of the Hong Kong residents who are now kept on the Diamond Princess cruise, so we are very serious about the operation to evacuate those who are now on board the ship. Once they have been cleared by the Japanese authorities in regard to the blood test, they will be released on the 19th (of February), which is Wednesday. We have made our demands to Japan and we will reiterate our demands and further request for these Hong Kong people that once they are allowed to disembark, then they should be transported immediately to the airport, so that we will arrange them to get on board our chartered flight.

                              We have arranged two chartered flights ready to take them to leave Japan on the 19th (of February), so that they can come back to Hong Kong on the 20th (of February). After their arrival at Hong Kong, they will be sent to quarantine camps for 14 days' quarantine. This is done in accordance with the advice of the experts and according to the analysis about public health requirements. I advise all Hong Kong residents to take these chartered flights, so that they will all come back together to go through the procedures for their own health reason and for the protection of other people. It is important for them to know that if they do not take our chartered flight on this occasion, there will likely be a lot of difficulties for them to get back to Hong Kong because they have been on board this cruise, and it is a very open knowledge that people on this cruise will have to go through this quarantine procedure, so they will be encountering all sort of difficulties including hotels and flights.

                              The second thing is when they come back to Hong Kong, they are very likely that they will go through the same procedure. Our port health officers will examine each and every one of them. They are known on our immigration list, so that they will be questioned once they arrive at Hong Kong. We have arranged two chartered flights, each has over 400 seats, so there will be very sufficient space for the Hong Kong people to get on our flights. Of course there are special seating arrangements to ensure that it will conform with the health safety standard. We know that there will likely be about 350 Hong Kong people including 260 Hong Kong permanent residents and another 90 who may be holding foreign passports. We also learn that there are five Macao citizens on board the cruise, so if they want to join our flight, then we will entertain them, so that when they arrive in Hong Kong, they will be dealt with according to the wish, probably to be conveyed back to Macao.

                              Today we sent off the first forward action team comprising about 30 people belonging to the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health. Once they arrive, they will be in touch with the Chinese embassy, who will be helping us to make our demands and also make the arrangements for the Hong Kong people to leave (for) Hong Kong. This operation has received the support of the Central Government, the foreign office, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong and also the Chinese embassy. A lot of places and governments will be asking the Japanese authorities for different arrangements, so it is important that we go early and make our requirements loud and clear, so that the arrangements can be made as quickly as possible.

                              (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
                              Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                              Issued at HKT 20:26

                              Comment


                              • Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/...0021700772.htm

                                DH prosecutes two persons for suspected violation of compulsory quarantine requirement
                                ************************************************** **********************


                                The Department of Health (DH) today (February 17) said that summons will be issued against two persons suspected to have violated the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C) (the Regulation) and solemnly reminded persons under compulsory quarantine to comply with the requirements under the Regulation for the 14-day compulsory quarantine.

                                Since the compulsory quarantine measure was implemented on February 8, four Hong Kong residents under compulsory quarantine had attempted to leave Hong Kong but were intercepted by the Immigration Department at boundary control points. The DH has immediately sent them to quarantine camp and launched an investigation with the Police. Following investigations, the DH has applied to the court to serve summons on two persons involved. For the remaining two persons, the DH and the Police will continue to gather more evidence for consideration in making prosecution by the Department of Justice.

                                According to the Regulation, except for exempted persons, all persons having stayed in the Mainland for any period during the 14 days preceding arrival in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality and travel documents used, are subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. Contravening the compulsory quarantine requirement is a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.

                                In response to media report today about two persons under compulsory quarantine staying at a subdivided flat and were suspected to have left their place of quarantine due to the lack of toilet in their accommodation, the DH has contacted the two persons and noted that their accommodation is a separate unit with en-suite toilet and bathroom, hence suitable for home quarantine. Nevertheless, one of the persons admitted to have gone out without permission for buying food. The DH has issued a warning letter and reminded the duo that they can call the Home Affairs Department’s hotline for assistance. The Social Welfare Department will also provide assistance as necessary.

                                In general, Hong Kong residents will stay at home for quarantine. For non-Hong Kong residents who have arranged to stay at hotels or other dwelling places, they will conduct quarantine at the concerned hotels or dwelling places. If persons under compulsory quarantine are not able to arrange accommodation, they will conduct quarantine at quarantine camps under the Government’s arrangement.



                                Ends/Monday, February 17, 2020
                                Issued at HKT 22:38

                                Comment

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