Hong Kong – LCSD steps up enforcement actions on anti-epidemic regulations (with photos)

     To ensure members of the public comply with the relevant regulations on group gatherings and wearing of masks, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) stepped up patrols at venues under its management in collaboration with law enforcement teams of relevant departments during the Easter holidays and asked venue users to abide by the rules. Repeated offenders are prosecuted after verbal warnings are ignored.

      The LCSD spokesman today (April 15) reminds members of the public that according to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), the relevant restriction on the number of persons currently allowed per group gathering in a public place is two. In addition, according to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is entering or present in a specified public place. Any person failing to comply with the above relevant Regulations may be subject to a fixed penalty at $5,000.

     As at 4pm today, over 560 times verbal advice were given out while fixed penalty notices were also issued to four persons breaching Cap.599I on mandatory mask-wearing requirement in specified public places in 1 390 patrols of venues by the LCSD staff. The LCSD spokesman reminds members of the public to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner in order to reduce the chances of spreading the virus in the community.

     

      Promotional leaflets as well as venue broadcast and notices were used to urge foreign domestic helpers to raise awareness of epidemic prevention and comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions during patrols of venues by the LCSD staff.

      The LCSD, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will continue to step up patrols in the coming two days (April 16 and 17). Enforcement actions will be taken when irregularities are found.