Two persons sentenced for breaching compulsory quarantine order
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The case involved a 51-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, who were each earlier issued a compulsory quarantine order stating that they must conduct quarantine at home for 14 days. Before the expiry of the quarantine order, they left the place of quarantine on February 17, 2021, without reasonable excuse nor permission given by an authorised officer. They were charged with contravening sections 8(1) and 8(5) of the Regulation and were sentenced by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today to 14 days' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months respectively.
Breaching a compulsory quarantine order is a criminal offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. A spokesman for the Department of Health said the sentence sends a clear message to the community that breaching a quarantine order is a criminal offence that the Government will not tolerate, and solemnly reminded the public to comply with the regulations. As of today, a total of 186 persons have been convicted by the courts for breaching quarantine orders and have received sentences including immediate imprisonment for up to 14 weeks or a fine of up to $15,000. The spokesman reiterated that resolute actions will be taken against anyone who has breached the relevant regulations.
Ends/Monday, September 13, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:10
Issued at HKT 18:10
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