HONG Kong may jail or fine anyone who fails to observe the two-week quarantine for arrivals from mainland China starting Saturday, February 8.

Hong Kong has refused to completely seal its border with mainland China but hopes the quarantine will dissuade cross-border travelers. It also applies to travelers coming from other countries who had been to mainland China in the past 14 days.

Hong Kong residents will be allowed to quarantine themselves at home while foreigners must stay in hotels or their arranged accommodations. Those without any plans will be sent to quarantine camps.

Workers in logistic services such as truck drivers or flight crews will be exempt.

Those who don't observe the quarantine could face up to six months in jail.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung urged citizens to exercise self-discipline in complying with the quarantine and said random checks will be conducted. He said the quarantine would not affect the flow of goods from the mainland, and that there was no need for panic buying. (AP)