By The SUN
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| FDHs are advised not to gather, share food and keep their masks on when in public places |
The Labour Department has reminded foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to comply with social distancing measures which the government extended today for a further 14 days, or until Feb 17.
Labour said the advisory was issued ahead of the statutory three-day Chinese New Year holidays which starts tomorrow, Feb. 1.
In a separate advisory, the government also advised other residents to stay at home instead of having cross-family gatherings.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
“Although the Chinese New Year is a traditional festival for celebration among relatives and friends, we hope that citizens may stay at home as far as possible and avoid gatherings among families in order to protect public health," the statement said.
Current restrictions prohibit the gathering in public of more than four people, and require the wearing of face masks in all public venues, indoor and outdoors.
No dine-in at restaurants is allowed after 6pm, and most entertainment or leisure venues such as gyms, bars, cinemas, museums, libraries and sports facilities have been closed.
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Labour says FDHs must also avoid gathering in boarding houses and the sharing of food.
"We remind FDHs to strictly observe the requirements and appeal to them to avoid gatherings (including those in boarding facilities), food sharing and other social activities on their rest days and holidays in order to safeguard their personal health and reduce the risk of infection,” said the advisory.
Failure to comply with the gathering restrictions will make an offender liable to pay a fixed penalty of $5,000. Organizers of gatherings held in violation of the restrictions may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $25,000.
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| Press for details |
During the holidays, Labour said it will conduct mobile broadcasts in multiple languages at popular FDH gathering places across the territory to urge the public to comply with relevant requirements.
The mobile announcements will be carried out in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Home Affairs Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The targeted areas are the Chater Road precinct and Edinburgh Place in Central, Tamar Park in Admiralty, Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, the footbridge near Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Lai Chi Kok Park and other favorite haunts of FDHs.
The statement said relevant departments will take enforcement action those who still refuse to abide by the regulations after repeated reminders.
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| The evening dine-in ban is extended until Feb 17 |
Meanwhile, the two-week extension of the gathering restrictions from Feb 4 to 17 was gazetted today, according to a separate press statement from the government.
The decision to extend the restrictions which Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced on Jan 27, is meant to prevent a mass outbreak of Covid-19 cases by reducing the number of people out on the streets.
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Labour also appealed to all FDHs to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and others. The vaccination is free to all residents, including FDHs.
For booking and details, please visit the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).
FDHs and employers who have any enquiries on employment matters may call the dedicated FDH hotline of the Labour Department at 2157 9537 (manned by 1823), by email to fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk or through the online form on the dedicated portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk).
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