LCSD steps up enforcement actions on anti-epidemic regulations (with photos)

     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 its venues in collaboration with relevant departments during the Labour Day holiday and asked venue users to abide by the rules. Repeated offenders are prosecuted after verbal warnings are ignored.

      As at 4pm today (May 2), over 1 450 times verbal advice were given out during about 6 160 patrols of venues by the LCSD staff since May 1. In the same period, fixed penalty notices were issued to 15 persons either breaching the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) on prohibition of group gatherings of more than four persons in a public place, or the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) on mandatory mask-wearing requirement in specified public places.

       Promotional leaflets as well as venue broadcast and notices were used to urge the public to raise awareness of epidemic prevention and comply with the various anti-epidemic regulations and restrictions during patrols of venues by the LCSD staff.

      The LCSD spokesman asks members of the public to stay vigilant and comply with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of disease in a concerted and persistent manner. He reminds the public that according to the Cap. 599G, the relevant restriction on the number of persons currently allowed per group gathering in a public place is four. In addition, according to the Cap. 599I, a person must wear a mask at all times when the person is entering or present in a specified public place. Any person failing to comply with the above relevant Regulations may be subject to a fixed penalty at $5,000.

     Enforcement actions will be taken by the LCSD when irregularities are found at venues under its management.