Residents in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province queue up for nucleic acid tests on January 14. Photo: VCG

North China's Hebei Province stressed that anyone holding events such as funerals, weddings and social gatherings in violation of anti-epidemic regulations and causing COVID-19 infections could face criminal liability amid the surging infections in the province.

The notice was jointly released Saturday by three departments in Hebei - the Hebei Provincial People's Court, People's Procuratorate and provincial public security department. 

It also said that people who conceal their illness or travel histories or refuse to receive quarantine will face punishment, and if their violations result in COVID-19 infections or risks of infections, which constitutes a crime offense, they will be held criminally liable. 

Holding events such as funerals, weddings, temple fairs and exhibitions in violation of anti-epidemic rules amid the outbreak will be subject to public security management punishment.  

Those who violate the rules and cause infections will be held criminally liable.

The civil affairs department of Hebei Province had previously called on the public to simplify wedding and funeral procedures amid the epidemic or cancel ceremonies if necessary. 

The notice also said that people who cause trouble and do not cooperate in having their temperature checked or their identity registered will also face criminal liability if their conduct constitutes crime offenses. 

Those who threaten, insult or harm medical staff, officials and people carrying out anti-epidemic work will also face punishment and be held criminally responsible if the case is severe.

At least 20 percent of confirmed patients in Shijiazhuang in the latest Hebei outbreak had been to weddings, while some had gone to funerals,according to media reports. 

Hebei Province reported 72 confirmed cases and 20 asymptomatic cases on Saturday, Hebei authorities said on Sunday.

Global Times