Hong Kong hikes Covid fines further to HK$50,000

People who breached the city’s coronavirus restrictions will face fines of up to HK$50,000 with a maximum jail sentence of six months starting Thursday.

The move came one day after the SAR government on Tuesday announced that anyone who ignored the testing notices or the compulsory testing when their buildings are sealed off will face a fine of HK$25,000 instead of HK$10,000.

A government statement yesterday night clarified that the increased fine of HK$25,000 is for people who ignored the compulsory testing notices, while people who evaded the testing when their buildings are sealed off will face a fine of HK$50,000. 

Test dodgers in both scenarios will also earn a trip to jail for up to six months.

It noted that the differences in the fines are to strengthen the deterrent effect and maintain the tiering among different penalties.

Meanwhile, the statement wrote that parents are required to use their “best endeavors” to ensure their children comply with testing orders, or risk being punished.

Health officials also warned that if people, including their animals, refuse to follow quarantine or isolation orders, they will also be slapped with a fine of HK$10,000 and a jail sentence of half a year.