bc magazine

Free Covid Taxi

The concept of a free ‘Covid Taxi’ to transport people to their testing appointments at clinics across the city – thus keeping them off public transport – is quite innovative.

BUT, sadly as with most of the government’s initiatives – the devil is in the details. Participating taxies are only required to fully disinfect their passenger compartment ONCE a day!

The potential for cross-infection is probably far higher than taking a bus or the MTR… No attempt has been made to separate the driver from passengers – why not install a plastic sheet to separate the passenger compartment from the driver? No payment is needed and taxi’s need to be booked in advance, so the destination is already known to the driver.

Free ‘covid taxis’ will be available from 18 February and patients with appointments can book on www.designatedtaxihk.com or call 3693 4770 (8am to 10pm). To make a booking you need to provide: name, contact number, appointment time, designated clinic, pick-up location.

StayHomeSafe Home Quarantine Launched

As of 8 February, The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has started to allow close contacts and household contacts of close contacts to undergo home quarantine for 14 days and four days respectively.

Persons undergoing “StayHomeSafe” must stay in their dwelling place and wear an electronic wristband throughout the quarantine period; regularly monitor their physical condition including taking body temperature twice daily; conduct regular Rapid Antigen Test on their own on specified dates (close contacts must also attend the Community Testing Centre for testing on Day 12); and follow other home quarantine guidelines issued by the Department of Health (DH).

The CHP will assess if people are suitable for StayHome Safe quarantine. Factors to be considered include the suitability of the person’s dwelling place for quarantine, the risk level of persons confining at the same place, and their individual physical conditions.

The Government has launched a website for the “StayHomeSafe” Scheme:
www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/home-quarantine.html, and the Home Affairs Department has also set up hotline (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/Important_Contact_Information.pdf) to provide assistance to persons undergoing “StayHomeSafe”.

There is also a list of buildings where people who are part of the StayHomeSafe live.

Free Travel on MTR, Bus, Trams on 19 December

Even though almost everyone who wants to vote can easily walk to their polling station the government (scared of a low voter turnout?) has arranged free travel for all on Sunday 19 December, LEGCO election day.

“Members of the public will be able to enjoy free rides on the MTR, franchised buses and the tram.”

As the government puts it: “The above-mentioned public transport operators will provide free rides from the first to the last departure on that day. Services will be maintained at the normal level and be enhanced for busier routes and during peak periods subject to passenger demand and actual traffic conditions. The public transport operators will separately announce further details of the arrangement.”

The exact details of the free travel will be confirmed by the relevant companies.

LeaveHomeSafe App Required for Restaurants and Bars

From 9 December usage of the ‘LeaveHomeSafe‘ mobile app will be strictly enforced for entering all restaurants.

The Government has announced the updated arrangements for using the “LeaveHomeSafe” (LHS) mobile application that will take effect on 9 December 2021.

Scanning of the venue QR code will be required for entry to all premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F). The modes of operation of catering business will also be adjusted accordingly…

Cap 599F covers all catering business premises that offer dine-in services, bars or pubs, bathhouses, party rooms, clubs or nightclubs, karaoke establishments, mahjong-tin kau premises, cruise ships, amusement game centres, fitness centres, places of amusement, places of public entertainment, beauty parlours and massage establishments, clubhouses, sports premises, swimming pools, hotel and guesthouses, and event premises.

If you are not sure there is more information www.coronavirus.gov.hk