S for IT solicits hotel industry to support “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile app (with photo)

The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, today (December 1) hosted an online briefing session on the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app for the hotel industry to solicit their support to fight the virus together. Joining the online briefing session were representatives from the Hong Kong Hotels Association, the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners and other representatives from the hotel industry.

The epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has undergone drastic changes recently. The recent emergence of local cases of unknown infection sources indicates the existence of sustained silent transmission in the community, covering various districts and people from all walks of life. The Government announced further tightening of social distancing measures yesterday. Yet, concerted efforts from public and various sectors are needed to fight the virus, Mr Sit said.

"The 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile app is launched to assist the public in recording visit records when they need to go out, and help Hong Kong fight the virus in a more precise manner. Contact tracing will be more effective if individuals with exposure risks can be tested, isolated and treated early. It will reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus and is good for disease prevention and control," he said.

"I thank various sectors' support for the scheme. The 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile app has more than 270 000 downloads so far, with over 30 000 public and private venues participating in the scheme. The mobile app can also be used directly in over 18 000 taxis. The more venues display QR codes, and the more people download the mobile app and scan the QR codes, the more effective the scheme will be. The Government will continue to foster a conducive environment to promote the 'LeaveHomeSafe' mobile app. I appeal to businesses that have yet to join the scheme to file their applications as soon as possible. I also encourage members of the public to use the app actively. Let's join hands to fight the virus together and help Hong Kong to defeat the epidemic."

In addition, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has worked with relevant departments to introduce a simplified application arrangement, and has provided a designated channel on the "LeaveHomeSafe" website (www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk/en/registration/599F/) for persons responsible for carrying on catering businesses and scheduled premises under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) to submit an application and download venue QR codes for display instantly. For details, please refer to the "LeaveHomeSafe" website (www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk).

The purpose of access permissions required by the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app is only for the smooth operation of the app. User registration is not required. The app does not have a tracking function, nor does it use positioning services or any other data of the users' mobile phones. Venue check-in data will be encrypted and saved on users' devices only. Such data will not be uploaded to the Government or any other systems and will be erased automatically after 31 days. The OGCIO will continue to take into account public opinion and optimise the operation of the app so that the public can use the app with ease.

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