Migrant Workers Urged Not To Go Out On Day Off

Government officials have urged foreign domestic helpers (FDH) not to go out on their day off, warning that the authorities will be enforcing social distancing rules over the Dragon Boat holiday period.

The Labour Department said joint operations will be carried out with the police, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and other officials between June 3 and June 5 in various parks, beaches and pedestrian areas, to make sure helpers comply with the relevant regulations.

"We remind FDHs to strictly observe the regulations and appeal to them to avoid gatherings (including those in boarding facilities), food sharing and other social activities on their rest days and holidays, and stay at home for rest as far as possible in order to safeguard their personal health and reduce the risk of infection," a spokesman for the Labour Department said in a statement.

"We also appeal to employers to explain the current special circumstances when discussing rest day arrangements with their FDHs and call for their mutual understanding."

Current social distancing rules include a ban on gatherings of more than four people in a public place, while wearing masks outdoors is still obligatory. Offenders can be hit with a fine of HK$5,000.