Government enforces "restriction-testing declaration" and compulsory testing notice in respect of specified "restricted area" in Tin Shui Wai (with photo)
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Starting from around 7am today, persons in the "restricted area" in Tin Shui Wai who have undergone testing and are able to present SMS notifications with negative test results or wear wristbands 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 2am today. The Government also understands that some residents already underwent testing at the testing station set up at Heng Lok House, Tin Heng Estate, or other means. Therefore, persons in the "restricted area" who have undergone testing from January 31 to February 2, 2021, and are able to provide the SMS notification through a mobile phone or related certification containing the test results, are not required to take the test again. From February 2 to 2am today, around 270 residents had undergone testing at the temporary specimen collection stations in the "restricted area" or the testing station set up at Heng Lok House, Tin Heng Estate. No confirmed cases were found.
Moreover, the Government also assigned staff to visit about 225 households, 13 of which did not answer the door. Those include some households with confirmed cases or undergoing quarantine. Some units are possibly vacant as well. The Government does not have detailed information in this respect and 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 negative test result or wear a wristband as proof of having undergone testing breaches the compulsory testing notice and may be liable to a fine of $5,000. The person will also be issued with a compulsory testing order, requiring him or 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 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months.
Ends/Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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