Man sentenced for violating Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation
************************************************************************
The man had earlier tested 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 August 8. He was charged with contravening sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the Regulation and was sentenced to a fine of $8,000 and imprisonment for two weeks, suspended for 24 months, by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today.
Under the Regulation, a person shall not, knowing that he or she is infected with a specified infectious disease, expose other persons to the risk of infection by the person's presence or conduct in any public conveyance or any street, public place, place of entertainment or assembly, club or hotel. Breaching the Regulation is a criminal offence and offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months. A spokesman for the Department of Health said the sentence sends a clear message to the community that it is a criminal offence to expose the public to the risk of infection by leaving the designated place of isolation without permission during the period of isolation. The Government will not tolerate such violations and reminds the public again to comply with the relevant regulations.
The spokesman reiterated that co-operation and support by members of the public play a critical role in anti-epidemic work. They must strictly observe relevant requirements in order to fight the pandemic and minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
Ends/Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
NNNN