Three women were sentenced by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (February 14) for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599A) or the Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap. 599E).

     The first case involved a 69-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 9 last year. She was charged with contravening sections 32(1) and (3) of Cap. 599A and was sentenced to imprisonment for seven days, suspended for 12 months by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today.

     The second case involved a 63-year-old woman who was earlier issued with compulsory quarantine orders. Before the expiry of the quarantine orders, she left the place of quarantine on September 11 last year. She was charged with contravening sections 32(1) and (3) of Cap. 599A and was sentenced to imprisonment for seven days, suspended for 12 months by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today.

     The third case involved a 43-year-old woman, who was earlier issued with a compulsory quarantine order. Before the expiry of the quarantine order, she failed to comply with the term as specified in the quarantine order and passed an item she brought with her during immigration to another person on May 21 last year, without reasonable excuse nor permission given by an authorised officer. She was charged with contravening sections 8(4) and (5) of Cap. 599E and was bound over for 12 months with a recognisance of $1,500 by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today.

     ​A spokesman for the Department of Health said that co-operation of and support by members of the public play a critical role in anti-epidemic work. They must strictly observe relevant requirements in order to fight the pandemic and minimise the risk of transmission in the community. The spokesman reiterated that resolute action will be taken against anyone who breaches the relevant regulations.

Ends/Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:33

NNNN