(Fighting New Coronary Pneumonia) Hong Kong tightens anti-epidemic measures, compulsory quarantine of mainland arrivals extended to September 7
China News Service, Hong Kong, July 22 (Reporter Zhang Xiaoxi) The new crown pneumonia epidemic in Hong Kong is severe. The Director of the Food and Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Chen Zhaoshi, announced the latest epidemic prevention measures and arrangements on the 22nd. Among them, the mandatory quarantine measures for people entering Hong Kong from the Mainland have been extended to September 7. In addition, they also include tightening the entry of people arriving in Hong Kong from high-risk areas. The period of validity of the regulations governing and restricting group gatherings has been extended to December 31.
On the same day, Chen Zhaoshi and Deputy Secretary-General (Health) Chen Weiji of the Food and Health Bureau of the Special Administrative Region Government met with the media in Hong Kong.
Chen Zhaoshi said that taking into account the latest public health risk assessments, especially the recent cases in Hong Kong involving participation in activities without masks, the risks are quite high. Therefore, more stringent epidemic prevention measures are needed, including requiring the public indoors. Places, public transportation terminals and interchanges must always wear masks.
She said that the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region has convened a special executive meeting to agree to amend the Hong Kong laws "Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing Masks) Regulations" (Chapter 599I). This requirement to wear a mask is the first stage of the measure. The relevant specifications will take effect from July 23 and last from 14 to August 5.
Chen Zhaoshi also pointed out that the current Hong Kong law "Regulations on Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving in Hong Kong" (Chapter 599C) has been extended to September 7. The regulations stipulate that persons who arrive in Hong Kong from the Mainland, Macau or Taiwan, and those who have stayed in the Mainland, Macau or Taiwan during the 14 days before the day of arrival in Hong Kong shall be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine from the day of arrival in Hong Kong .
In addition, Hong Kong's laws "Prevention and Control of Diseases (Disclosure of Information) Regulations" (Chapter 599D), "Regulations on Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving to Hong Kong from Foreign Countries" (Chapter 599E), "Prevention and Control of Diseases (Requirements and Instructions)" Both the Business and Premises) Regulations (Chapter 599F) and the Prevention and Control of Diseases (Prohibition of Group Gathering) Regulations (Chapter 599G) are valid until December 31. Chen Zhaoshi pointed out that although the validity period of these regulations governing the catering industry and designated premises has been extended, the SAR government will continue to adjust in response to changes in the epidemic.
She also announced that people arriving in Hong Kong from high-risk areas will board an aircraft arriving in Hong Kong from outside Hong Kong on the same day, or have been in any specified area within 14 days prior to that day, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Kazakhstan. , Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa and the United States, the relevant person must provide the new coronavirus negative nucleic acid test result within 72 hours and the confirmation of the hotel room booked in Hong Kong, and the rental period is not less than 14 days. The specification will take effect on July 29.
Chen Zhaoshi said that the Hong Kong epidemic is at its most severe moment and strongly urges all citizens to stay at home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary going out. The SAR government will continue to monitor the epidemic closely and has tightened some epidemic prevention measures in the past two weeks. If the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, it does not rule out the need to adopt more stringent epidemic prevention measures. (Finish)