Police Arrest Five Over Fake LeaveHomeSafe App

Police said five people were arrested on Monday morning for allegedly flouting a new rule that requires the mandatory use of the LeaveHomeSafe Covid-19 app when entering government premises.

The five were suspected of using a fake app at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai.

Source said the five comprised of two immigration officers, one member of staff at the Audit Commission and two contractors.

Visitors to government premises – including libraries, wet markets, courts and sports facilities – now have to use the LeaveHomeSafe app and can no longer provide their contact details on paper.

Exemptions are given to children, the elderly and disabled people, as well as those using public toilets.

On an RTHK programme on Monday, Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip said the government will exercise flexibility to begin with.

He said staff will offer help to the elderly or others who are not familiar with the app, and try to “educate and encourage” people to use it properly.