Government enhances surveillance of people under compulsory quarantine

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     Since February 8, 2020, the Department of Health (DH) has been issuing compulsory quarantine orders to all people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland and all people who have been to the Mainland in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong. People concerned are required to stay at home or other dwelling place for a 14-day quarantine. They have not developed any symptoms and passed temperature checks upon entry. Those with symptoms will be referred to the DH for further handling.

     After reviewing the actual operation, the Government will enhance the surveillance of compulsory quarantine. Apart from those being transferred to the Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centre, if the persons under compulsory quarantine fail to share their real-time locations with their mobile phones at the boundary control points, we will immediately request them to wear electronic wristbands with a view to monitoring whether they are staying at the dwelling places.

     Moreover, the DH will continue to make telephone calls to the persons under quarantine while the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) will request the persons concerned to share their real-time locations everyday as well as make surprise video calls to make sure that they are staying at the dwelling places.

     If the Government cannot contact the persons under quarantine successfully, the Government will consider issuing wanted warrants against them. For the two persons under quarantine on Police's wanted list earlier, the Police have already contacted them and taken statement. The Government will consider the further actions.

     The Government has also further strengthened manpower to assist the DH and the OGCIO in implementing the aforesaid compulsory quarantine measures and the surveillance work.

     The Government has to reiterate the importance of self-discipline by people under quarantine. They must strictly comply with the quarantine orders. Any person concerned who leave accommodation without permission may commit a criminal offence, and subject to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for six months and a fine of $25,000 upon conviction.

Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:05

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