Covid-19: Hong Kong gov't issues almost HK$500K in fines following single compulsory testing operation

The Hong Kong authorities issued HK$460,000 worth of fines during a compulsory testing operation in Wanchai last Friday, according to a government press release.

Covid-19 mobile testing Phase Scientific — A Covid-19 mobile testing centre at Maple Street Playground during the fifth wave of the outbreak. File photo: GovHK.

Officers from the Wan Chai Police District, Department of Health and Wan Chai District Office carried out an enforcement operation on Thursday to ensure everyone at Ship Street’s J Residence took part in the compulsory test order.

“During the operation, around 200 persons were checked. Among them, 54 persons were found to have failed to comply with the compulsory testing notice,” the statement said. “They were subsequently issued compulsory testing orders, requiring them to undergo testing within a specified period. Fixed penalty notices of HK$10,000 each were also issued to 46 of them.”

The sum is a new record, according to journalist Aaron Busch who monitors the city’s Covid-19 situation as “tripperhead” on Twitter.

Compulsory Testing Notices are issued at premises where several positive cases of Covid-19 have been detected – they apply equally to people who have been vaccinated.

Hong Kong has seen 10,297 deaths since the onset of the pandemic. On Wednesday, the city reported 5,124 new Covid-19 infections, 390 of which were imported cases.

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