A 41-year-old man was sentenced to 80 hours' community service by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (September 27) for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) (the Regulation).

     The man was earlier issued a compulsory quarantine order stating that he must conduct quarantine at home for 14 days. Before the expiry of the quarantine order, he left the place of quarantine on February 21. He was charged with contravening sections 22(1), 29(1) and (3) of the Regulation and was sentenced by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today to 80 hours' community service.

     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 259 persons have been convicted by the courts for breaching compulsory 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, September 27, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:06

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