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 today (January 8) and called on venue users to abide by the rules. Repeated offenders are prosecuted after verbal warnings are ignored.

     Over 1200 times verbal advice were given out as at 4 pm today. The LCSD spokesman calls on members of the public to exercise self-discipline 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 comply with the legal requirements during patrols by the LCSD staff.

     The LCSD spokesman appeals to members of the public to comply with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G). The number of people in group gatherings should not be more than that as stipulated by the law. The number of persons currently allowed in group gatherings in public places is four. Members of the public should wear masks at all times when being present in any public place in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap 599I). Offenders are liable to prosecution.

     The LCSD, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will continue to step up patrols tomorrow (January 9). Enforcement actions will be taken against offenders.

    

     The Government announced today (January 8) that in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Laos and Mongolia will be specified as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 11, to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
 
     To manage and prevent the importation risks posed by Omicron cases, the Government will continue to employ the most stringent measures to guard against importation of cases. Overseas places where Omicron cases have been detected that may lead to local transmission and exportation of cases will be specified as Group A specified places. Noting that the detection of Omicron cases was confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Laos and Mongolia, the Government will specify them as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 11. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record. They will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel for 21 days upon returning to Hong Kong, with six tests to be conducted during quarantine, followed by compulsory testing in a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival in Hong Kong.
 
     Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html.
 
     The Government will gazette the relevant updated specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to effect the above measures.

     The Government announced today (January 8) that in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Laos and Mongolia will be specified as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 11, to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.
 
     To manage and prevent the importation risks posed by Omicron cases, the Government will continue to employ the most stringent measures to guard against importation of cases. Overseas places where Omicron cases have been detected that may lead to local transmission and exportation of cases will be specified as Group A specified places. Noting that the detection of Omicron cases was confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Laos and Mongolia, the Government will specify them as Group A specified places from 0.00am on January 11. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record. They will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel for 21 days upon returning to Hong Kong, with six tests to be conducted during quarantine, followed by compulsory testing in a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival in Hong Kong.
 
     Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html.
 
     The Government will gazette the relevant updated specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to effect the above measures.

     In response to a photo circulating on the Internet and in messaging groups with a rumour that "the Education Bureau (EDB) is considering suspending all face-to-face classes before Wednesday", a spokesman for the EDB reiterated today (January 8) that the current arrangements for face-to-face classes will continue at this stage. Schools will strictly abide by the anti-epidemic measures in accordance with the guidelines issued by the EDB.
 
     The EDB will continue to monitor the development of the epidemic, take into account the views of health experts and review the anti-epidemic measures and class arrangements in a timely manner. As usual, new arrangements, if any, will be announced as soon as possible.
 
     The EDB called on all stakeholders to take preventive measures against the epidemic, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and get vaccinated to strengthen protection in the fight against the epidemic.

     In response to a photo circulating on the Internet and in messaging groups with a rumour that "the Education Bureau (EDB) is considering suspending all face-to-face classes before Wednesday", a spokesman for the EDB reiterated today (January 8) that the current arrangements for face-to-face classes will continue at this stage. Schools will strictly abide by the anti-epidemic measures in accordance with the guidelines issued by the EDB.
 
     The EDB will continue to monitor the development of the epidemic, take into account the views of health experts and review the anti-epidemic measures and class arrangements in a timely manner. As usual, new arrangements, if any, will be announced as soon as possible.
 
     The EDB called on all stakeholders to take preventive measures against the epidemic, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and get vaccinated to strengthen protection in the fight against the epidemic.