Use of "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile App on Judiciary premises starting November 1
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The Judiciary announced today (October 27) that having regard to the latest public health situation and the Government's anti-epidemic measures, starting from November 1 (Monday), all persons will be required to use the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application (the App) to scan the venue QR code before they are allowed to enter Judiciary premises, with the exception of specified categories of exempt persons.
Under the new arrangement, persons who are aged below 12 or aged 65 or above, and those with disabilities that render use of the App difficult, will be exempt from the requirement of using the App when they enter Judiciary premises.
Striking a balance between public health and ensuring access to justice/court, the Judiciary will also exempt persons who do not have smart phones with them but must attend the relevant Judiciary premises for the purpose of handling court business on the day from the use of the App. Exempt persons under this category comprise parties to the proceedings and their family members, witnesses, legal practitioners and persons with a right of audience for the relevant proceedings, as well as jurors.
All exempt persons who should like to enter Judiciary premises without using the App are required to complete a prescribed record form to register their names, the first four digits or letters of their identification documents, their contact numbers and the date and time of their visits, as well as to indicate their reasons for exemption. They will also be required to declare that the information provided is correct, complete and true, and present relevant identification documents for verification by the Judiciary personnel. The record form will be uploaded to the Judiciary website (www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/leavehomesafe.html) and available at all Judiciary premises. These arrangements will inevitably cause considerable delays to exempt persons when entering Judiciary premises, particularly where there are court hearings involving a large number of court users.
To ensure public health and safety of all court users in Judiciary premises, the Judiciary calls on all court users (including exempt persons) to use the App as far as possible for securing a more efficient and convenient access to Judiciary premises.
Given the necessary time required to check the personal particulars of each person seeking to enter Judiciary premises without using the App, these court users are advised to arrive at the premises earlier, particularly during the peak hours in the morning or after the lunch break. Court users should also follow the instructions of the Judiciary personnel when they enter the relevant Judiciary premises for court business.
Ends/Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:18
Issued at HKT 19:18
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