Government appeals to foreign domestic helpers to fight the virus together

     The Government is highly concerned about the latest epidemic situation and strongly appeals to all sectors today (January 8) including foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to fight the virus together. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) conducts joint operations with several Government departments this weekend again at popular places in different districts where FDHs commonly gathered, and appeals to them to maintain awareness of epidemic prevention, keep the environment clean and hygienic, and comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions, including the requirements on group gatherings and wearing of masks.

     The FEHD, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Labour Department, the Immigration Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, conduct joint operations today and tomorrow at the public places near popular FDH gathering places during weekends and public holidays, such as Tamar Park and Chater Road in Central, Victoria Park and Sugar Street in Wan Chai and the pedestrian footbridge at Mong Kok Road. During the operations, apart from arranging cleansing contractors to strengthen the street cleaning services at the relevant spots, the FEHD also steps up patrols to combat littering and unlicensed hawking activities. In addition, promotional leaflets in multiple-language are also distributed by the FEHD to appeal to FDHs to maintain environmental hygiene and refrain from conducting unlicensed hawking activities. FDHs are also reminded by other government departments to comply with the regulations on mask-wearing and prohibition of group gatherings in public places.

     The spokesman said, "The Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) provides that a person who participates in a prohibited group gathering of more than four persons in public places or fails to wear a mask in accordance with the requirement respectively may be charged a fixed penalty of $5,000.”

     To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the spokesman strongly appeals to all to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner. The spokesman also reminds members of the public to exercise self-discipline and co-operate to fight the virus together.