The fixed penalties for breaching the requirements under the relevant regulations on disease prevention and control will be increased from $2,000 to $5,000 with effect from December 11.

The Government announced today that it has gazetted amendments to the subsidiary legislations under the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance to increase the penalties for contravening the regulations.

It said faced with the epidemic surge, it is imperative to increase the relevant penalties to create the necessary deterrent effect and ensure strict compliance with the relevant requirements, apart from tightening infection control measures.

The penalty increase will apply to the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G), Prevention & Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap 599I) and the Prevention & Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap 599J).

For any person who participates in a prohibited group gathering, fails to wear a mask in all public places, or fails to comply with a requirement of a compulsory testing direction or notice, the fixed penalty for discharging liability for the offence is raised from $2,000 to $5,000.

In tandem with the increase in fixed penalties, the maximum penalty upon conviction under Cap 599I and Cap 599J is raised to a $10,000 fine.

The Government will step up inspections and take stringent enforcement action against offenders.

It strongly urges all members of the public to stay at home as far as possible and stop all unnecessary social activities.