Two persons were each fined $15,000 by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (June 14) for violating the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C).

     The cases involved a 44-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, who were each issued a compulsory quarantine order when they entered Hong Kong on October 9, 2020, stating that they must conduct quarantine at home for 14 days. Without reasonable excuse nor permission given by an authorised officer, they went to an office of the Immigration Department on the same day to handle visa-related issues. They were charged with contravening sections 8(4) and 8(5) of the Regulation and were each fined $15,000 by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today.
 
     Breaching a compulsory quarantine order is a criminal offence 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 sentence sends a clear message to the community that breaching a quarantine order is a criminal offence that the Government will not tolerate, and solemnly reminded the public to comply with the regulations. As of today, a total of 245 persons have been convicted by the courts for breaching quarantine orders and have received sentences including immediate imprisonment for up to 14 weeks or a fine of up to $15,000. The spokesman reiterated that resolute actions will be taken against anyone who has breached the relevant regulations.

Ends/Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:30

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