Government steps up enforcement against breaches of quarantine orders and appeals to public to report breaches
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The Police, following reports from members of the public and detection via the Government electronic monitoring system, carried out immediate on-site investigations today. Ten persons were found to have left their dwelling places without permission and were subsequently sent to the quarantine centres. The Department of Health and the Police will continue to follow up investigations to collect more evidence for the Department of Justice to consider prosecution.
The Government appeals to the public to make use of the "e-Report Room" (www.erc.police.gov.hk/cmiserc/CCC/PolicePublicPage?language=en) online platform to report suspected cases of breaching quarantine orders. The Government would like to express its gratitude to benevolent members of the public who provided information through Internet platform which in turn facilitated the seizure of seven persons who were suspected to have breached quarantine orders yesterday (March 23) alone. Members of the public may also report suspected breaches of quarantine orders through report rooms of police stations (www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/contact_us.html#rr) or call 1823.
Regarding Internet rumours that members of the public should call the Department of Health's hotline 2125 1122 to report breaching of quarantine order cases, the Government clarifies that the hotline is set up to facilitate symptomatic persons to contact the Department of Health for help and should not be used for reporting breaches.
The Government once again strongly appeals to the public to follow the quarantine requirement strictly in order to protect the health of their own selves and others. The measure is of utmost importance to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 in the community. Leaving dwelling places without permission is a criminal offence and offenders are subject to a maximum imprisonment of six months and a fine of $25,000.
Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:10
Issued at HKT 22:10
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