Mask rules enhanced

July 22, 2020

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan: 
First of all is the introduction of our more stringent measures to reduce community transmissions, which include the Prevention & Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation. We extended it from not only public transport but also the compulsory wearing of masks in public places, and in this particular instance, indoor public places. 
 
As far as enforcement is concerned, of course, as I have earlier said, it will be enforced - there will be either a fixed penalty ticket of $2,000 or (a maximum penalty) of $5,000 (fine). 
 
As far as your other question of giving some examples, actually many indoor public places would be included, for example, shopping malls, supermarkets, markets, all the covered places, the shops and all that, even building lobbies. 
 
Of course, we will monitor the situation closely and also do risk assessment every day to look at this epidemic wave to see whether it can be controlled and look at the trends of our number of confirmed cases. If the situation continues to worsen, obviously we will put in more stringent measures. 
 
Whether there will be a lockdown, of course, it depends on the entire situation. We are looking at some of the international practices and of course, we also have to balance the needs and the basic daily necessities of the people in Hong Kong, for example, food, (and the need) to seek medical attention and drugs. All these are essential services that people need.

(To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government today announced it will further enhance anti-epidemic measures, mandating people to wear masks not only on public transport but at all indoor public places.

Meeting the media this afternoon, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan explained that people must also wear masks at transport terminals and interchanges and that the extended measures will come into effect on July 23 for 14 days until August 5.

She said: “Many indoor public places would be included, for example, shopping malls, supermarkets, markets, all the covered places, the shops and all that, even building lobbies."

The latest legislative amendments and specifications under the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap 599) to implement the enhanced measures were gazetted today.

The Secretary for Food & Health also published in the gazette new specifications to maintain the conditions based on public health grounds imposed on travellers who have visited specified high-risk places within 14 days before arrival in Hong Kong and include Kazakhstan and the US as additional specified places with effect from July 29.

The validity of various public health emergency regulations are also extended.

Prof Chan emphasised that the Government is monitoring the situation closely and conducting risk assessment every day, adding that it will introduce more stringent measures if the situation continues to worsen.

“Whether there will be a lockdown, of course, it depends on the entire situation.

"We are looking at some of the international practices and of course, we also have to balance the needs and the basic daily necessities of the people in Hong Kong.”

Click here for details.