Gov’t to give $5k to local COVID-19 patients, orders testing of dance club guests by Nov. 24

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The Hong Kong government said Sunday it will give a one-off subsidy to local residents who will test positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Understanding that some members of the public are concerned about their livelihood if they are tested positive, the Government will provide a one-off grant of HK$5,000 to local citizens who have been confirmed COVID-19 positive,” the government said in a press release.

The statement also said the Labour and Welfare Bureau will announce the details of the scheme.

Earlier in the year, a one-off cash subsidy of HK$10,000 to permanent residents in a bid to revive Hong Kong’s economy after it was battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government also gazetted its first compulsory testing notice since Secretary for Food and Health Prof. Sophia Chan announced that high-risk groups will be subjected to mandatory COVID-19 tests.

Guests of these 14 dance studios across the city from Nov. 1 to Nov. 21 must get tested before Nov. 24:

  1. Starlight Dance Club, Wan Chai
  2. Heavenly Dance Studio, Sheung Wan
  3. Dance Culture, Causeway Bay
  4. Chassé, Wan Chai
  5. Green Apple International School, Tseung Kwan O
  6. Dance Concept, Wan Chai
  7. Hsin Kuang Banquet Hall, San Po Kong
  8. Mei Tak Club in Pak Fook Industrial Building, Cheung Sha Wan
  9. Palladium International Dance Club, Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
  10. Dance Star Academy, Causeway Bay
  11. Dance Stage Dance Studio, Causeway Bay
  12. Kam Lai Club in Golden Era Plaza, Mong Kok
  13. More Dance Fame, Wan Chai
  14. Shining Star Dancing Studio, North Point

The order comes after at least 32 confirmed COVID-19 cases detected in the week were traced back to the Starlight Dance Studio. But the teachers and students who attended classes there also visit other dance studios, prompting concerns of a much larger cluster.

The government said persons who have visited these places within the given timeframe must get tested for COVID-19 before Nov. 24.

Testing may be done in the four community centres, general outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority, or private laboratories recognised by the Department of Health.

The government said it will require other “high-risk” groups to undergo COVID-19 testing.

Persons who fail to comply may be fined a fixed penalty of HK$2,000. They would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring them to undergo testing within a specified timeframe. 

Failure to comply with the order is a subsequent offence and offenders would be liable to a fine of HK25,000 and imprisonment for six months.