Two women were sentenced by the Magistrates' Courts today (November 18) for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A).

     The first case involves a 40-year-old woman, who was earlier issued with a compulsory quarantine order. Before the expiry of the quarantine order, she left the place of quarantine on April 5, 2022. She was charged with contravening sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the Regulation and was sentenced to 40 hours' community service by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today.

     The second case involves a 54-year-old woman, who earlier tested positive for COVID-19 and was issued with an isolation order. Before the end of the isolation period, she left the place of isolation on August 23, 2022. She was charged with contravening sections 23(1), (3) and (5) of the Regulation and was sentenced to imprisonment for two weeks, suspended for 12 months, by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today.
      
     Under section 32 of Cap. 599A, a person shall not, knowing that he or she is a contact or 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. Under section 23 of Cap. 599A, a person under isolation must comply with the conditions of the isolation order. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     A spokesman for the Department of Health said the sentences send 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 quarantine without permission during the period of quarantine, or violating an isolation order. The Government will not tolerate such a violation and reminds the public again to comply with the relevant regulations.

     ​​The spokesman reiterated that co-operation of and support by members of the public play a critical role in the 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/Friday, November 18, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:00

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