Government strives to implement the compulsory testing notices (with photos)

     The Government today (January 16) arranged compulsory testings for 20 buildings or constructions located at Yau Ma Tei with one or more confirmed cases.

     The Yau Tsim Mong District Office (YTMDO) liaised and worked with testing contractors to set up a district mobile specimen collection station at Kwun Chung Sports Centre and arranged mobile specimen collection vehicles at the section of Canton Road between Jordon Road and Saigon Street (also called Jade Street) to conduct free testing for the residents. Residents who are required to undergo compulsory testing may also take the test for free at the testing centre set up at Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre.

     The Home Affairs Department (HAD) and its YTMDO have arranged a number of helpers who speak Nepali, Urdu and other languages, together with staff of HAD's Office of the Licensing Authority, to conduct home visits and explain relevant arrangements at buildings or constructions covered by the compulsory testing notices. The staff distribute relevant information of the compulsory testing notices in multiple languages and register details of the residents to facilitate follow-up on compulsory testing in the future. Over 440 households have been successfully registered today. We will continue to conduct home visits in the coming two days.

     According to preliminary records, over 1 100 residents have undergone testing at the above venues in compliance with the compulsory testing notices today. Besides, over 2 300 residents have voluntarily undergone testing at the above venues.

     In view of the epidemic situation, we understand that residents in the district are worried that the epidemic may spread through the environment. The HAD will arrange cleansing for buildings with one or more confirmed cases, and covered by the compulsory testing notices.

     The Government appeals to persons who are required to comply with the compulsory testing notices to undergo testing as soon as possible within the period specified (i.e by January 18, 2021) in the compulsory testing notices, and reiterates the serious follow up by the Government on compliance with the compulsory testing notices to curb the spread of the virus.

     The Government reminds the public to undergo testing in compliance with the notice. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notice commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $5,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him/her to undergo testing within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the order is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.