The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, today (November 13) attended two briefing sessions for representatives from the wholesale and retail sectors and the beauty and massage industries to actively solicit their support for the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app and encouraged more businesses to join the scheme and fight the virus together.
 
     Mr Sit said, "Under the new normal, we need concerted efforts from various sectors to fight the virus so that people will feel comfortable going out and the economy can regain its momentum. There are currently over 6 000 public and private venues that have pledged support for the scheme. The app can also be used directly in over 18 000 taxis. We will continue to get the message across and engage various sectors and businesses such as retail, shopping malls and property management to fight the virus together."
 
     The Government has been actively inviting various industries to participate in the scheme. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has organised a number of briefing sessions in collaboration with relevant government departments to introduce the scheme to trade organisations from restaurants, bars or pubs, karaoke establishments, clubs, taxis, fitness centres, banks, cinemas and social welfare institutions. Interested organisations or institutions should contact the OGCIO through the designated email address (leavehomesafe@ogcio.gov.hk).
 
     The "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app is a digital tool that brings convenience and can assist the public in recording the date and time for checking into and leaving different venues, and encouraging them to keep a more precise record of their whereabouts to minimise the risk of further transmission of the virus. Downloading the app does not require user registration. When checking into participating venues, app users can scan the venue QR code to log their arrival time and click the "Leave" button in the app to mark their departure. Relevant data will then be kept in the app inside the user's mobile phone and will be erased automatically after 31 days. If a confirmed case is later discovered at a participating venue, the app will notify users who have visited the same venue as the COVID-19 confirmed case at around the same time together with health advice to enhance their vigilance.
 
     The "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app will be available for public download from next Monday (November 16). For details, please refer to the "LeaveHomeSafe" website (www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, November 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:59

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