Officials say 17 people tried to flee quarantine

Officials say two absconders have been served with court summons, and the Department of Justice is considering whether to prosecute another seven people. File photo: RTHK

Health authorities say that as of Thursday 17 people who are under a compulsory 14-day-quarantine had attempted to leave Hong Kong, but were intercepted by immigration officers and brought back to continue their quarantine.



A spokesman for the Health Bureau said two absconders were served with court summons, and the Department of Justice is considering whether to prosecute another seven people.



He added that the authorities are gathering evidence against the remaining eight.



The government has asked people coming back from mainland China, South Korea, Iran and three northern regions of Italy to undergo a compulsory 14-day-quarantine.