Hong Kong fourth wave: fine for breaking coronavirus social-distancing rules increasing to HK$5,000, half the level originally proposed
- New punishment, in force from next Friday, targets those who defy regulations on public gatherings, wearing masks and mandatory testing
- Penalty originally earmarked to increase from HK$2,000 to HK$10,000, sources said previously
The penalty for flouting Hong Kong’s Covid-19 rules on public gatherings, wearing masks and mandatory testing will increase from next week to HK$5,000 (US$645), half the level originally proposed.
Confirming an earlier South China Morning Post report, the Food and Health Bureau said the new fine would rise from the existing HK$2,000, effective from Friday.
Endorsed at Friday’s special meeting of the Executive Council, the stiffer punishment applies to those who violate the two-person rule on gathering in public, do not follow regulations on the compulsory wearing of masks, as well as to people who fail to attend mandatory testing.
Sources previously told the Post the fine was set to rise to HK$10,000, subject to Department of Justice advice. But executive councillors, who sit in Lam’s de facto cabinet, eventually decided that was too high.
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