First batch of persons under compulsory quarantine completes quarantine

     Since the compulsory quarantine measure was introduced on February 8, the first batch of 663 persons has finished their 14-day compulsory quarantine at 0.00am today (February 22). 

     No one from the first batch of persons completing the compulsory quarantine became confirmed cases of COVID-19 during the quarantine period. Government assistance for persons under the compulsory quarantine includes a hotline by the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection to provide health information and answer enquiries, as well as a dedicated hotline by the Home Affairs Department. Referrals are made to the Social Welfare Department for providing assistance when necessary. 

     During the quarantine period, the Government has various measures in place to monitor whether persons under quarantine are complying with the quarantine order. While officers from disciplinary forces would assist in spot checks, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer would make use of a location-sharing function of communication software and electronic wristbands to ensure that persons under quarantine are staying at their dwelling places.

     According to the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation, except for exempted persons, all persons having stayed in the Mainland for any period during the 14 days preceding arrival in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality and travel documents used, are subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. Contravening the compulsory quarantine requirement is a criminal offence. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.