Two men were sentenced by the Magistrates' Courts today (November 11) for respectively violating the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) and the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C).

     A 51-year-old man was earlier confirmed as testing positive for COVID-19 and was issued with an isolation order. Before the end of the isolation period, he left the place of isolation on September 25, 2022. He was charged with contravening sections 23(1), (3) and (5) of Cap. 599A and was sentenced by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for two weeks, suspended for 12 months.

     Also, a 47-year-old man was earlier issued with a compulsory quarantine order. Before the expiry of the quarantine order, he left the place of quarantine on November 1, 2020, without reasonable excuse nor permission given by an authorised officer. He was charged with contravening sections 8(1) and 8(5) of Cap. 599C and was fined $12,000 by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today.

     Under Cap. 599A, breaching an isolation order is a criminal offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months. Under Cap. 599C, it is also a criminal offence to breach a compulsory quarantine order 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 sentences send a clear message to the community that breaching an isolation order or a quarantine order is a criminal offence that the Government will not tolerate, and solemnly reminded the public to comply with the regulations. The spokesman reiterated that resolute action will be taken against anyone who has breached the relevant regulations.

Ends/Friday, November 11, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:50

NNNN