In view of the epidemic situation of COVID-19, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 9) reminded members of the public to continue to comply with various anti-epidemic measures during the Lunar New Year (LNY) holidays, and urged them to keep the environment clean and not to litter.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The Government's efforts alone will not suffice to keep the environment clean and tidy. Members of the public and shop operators also have the responsibility to dispose of waste properly in public places.

     "During the LNY, the FEHD will enhance street cleaning services, such as increasing the frequency of street sweeping and refuse collection, as necessary. In addition, more staff will be deployed to patrol and take enforcement action, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices of $1,500, against persons found littering."

     The spokesman also reminded members of the public to pay attention to food safety, not to gather and patronise unlicensed cooked food hawkers, and to keep passageways clear. The FEHD will, depending on actual circumstances, take stringent enforcement actions against illegal cooked food hawkers, shop front extension and hawking activities causing street obstruction.

     In addition, the spokesman reminded catering business and scheduled premises operators to continue to strictly comply with the requirements and directions under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), and customers patronising catering premises to comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions, including the requirements on group gatherings and wearing of masks. The FEHD will continue to step up law enforcement and publicity efforts during the LNY holidays, and will deploy additional manpower to conduct joint operations with the Police. Stringent enforcement actions relating to anti-epidemic regulations will be taken across the territory to ensure compliance of relevant regulations.

     The spokesman appealed to members of the public to exercise civic-mindedness and self-discipline, keep the environment clean and co-operate to fight the virus together during the LNY holidays.

Ends/Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Issued at HKT 14:40

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