Leavehomesafe app mandatory for entering Hong Kong government buildings

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The Hong Kong government announced Thursday (21 October 2021) that all persons entering government buildings will be mandated to use the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app.

Hong Kong's new rule of mandatorily using LeavehomeSafe app will come into effect from November 1 2021, and strictly be enforced, such that all government employees and members of the public will be required to use the app to check-in with the QR code before they are allowed to enter any government buildings or offices. 

The only exemptions will be for children under the age of 12, people aged 65 or above, and those with disabilities that render the use of the app difficult. 

Officials said they noticed people had incomplete or missing information when filling in the paper submissions previously.

"We notice that incomplete or even false personal particulars may be provided as we currently allow the registration of only the registrant's name and contact number as an alternative," a government spokesperson said in a press release. "This can greatly reduce the efficiency and precision of contact tracing when a confirmed case is found. If the viral transmission chain cannot be cut as early as possible, it may give rise to the risk of a community outbreak."

The government encouraged private enterprises to follow the same protocol. "We hope that different private enterprises will be encouraged to follow the arrangement and implement the requirement of using the app in a more extensive and stringent manner," the spokesperson added.

Persons who are exempted from using the app will still be required to complete a record form and register their names, the first four digits or letters of their identification documents, their contact numbers, and the date and time of their visit. They are also required to present relevant identification documents for verification at the request of the staff on-site during registration. The staff will also verify the contact numbers by making phone calls.

Unwillingness to use the app will not be considered an exemption from using the app. Knowingly providing false information is liable for prosecution. The rules extend to all government buildings including hospitals, police stations, and other government-run spaces.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong government tells employees to get vaccinated or pay for regular tests, effective 1 Sep

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