Bubble tea shop runners arrested by national security police over Covid posts

National security police have arrested two people in charge of a bubble tea shop for publishing seditious materials including online posts which call upon people to disregard anti-epidemic rules. 

The arrested were two women aged 21 and 24 respectively who were in charge of Asco Cheesetea in Argyle Centre, sources said. They allegedly incited people to violate anti-epidemic regulations. 

Officers seized posters at their homes and at the drink shop. It was understood that the poster says “Reject digital surveillance. Boycott LeaveHomeSafe”. 

A post was put up on the shop's Instagram account earlier this month. 

“Omicron has already turned into a flu... different parts of the world are canceling anti-epidemic policies and told citizens that they don't need vaccination. No jab can prevent infection,”  the post claimed, despite vaccinations are still recommended in overseas countries. 

It said the government is insistent in launching a Hong Kong health code so that it can collect personal information of citizens. It is “revenging” Hongkongers.

The shop called upon people to avoid running into security guards when they go into shopping malls. They should use excuses such as buying takeaways so they can refrain from using the LeaveHomeSafe app. 

People are also urged not to upload their vaccinations onto the LeaveHomeSafe app, and to stop taking the second or third Covid-19 jab. 

For students who received vaccinations, they should “fake that they are ill, as much as they can,” the post called. 

They should fake illness so serious that they cannot attend classes, even online ones. Then their parents would feel pained and put pressure on schools, it said.