Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (left) gives a press conference at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, Hong Kong, Jan 6, 2022. Looking on is the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health Edwin Tsui Lok-kin. (PHOTO/HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor suspended 13 government officials from duties and ordered investigations into the conduct of these officials who attended a COVID-19-hit birthday party on Monday.

All 170 guests of the party were ordered into quarantine Friday after two guests later tested positive to COVID-19. 

In a statement issued late Friday, Lam said the officials who are subject to quarantine “should not continue to discharge their duties” and must use their vacation days while they are isolated for 21 days.

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The party, held at Spanish restaurant Reserva Iberica in Wan Chai, was thrown for Witman Hung Wai-man, a representative for Hong Kong at the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority. 

CE Carrie Lam said investigations will be conducted to assess whether the officials had breached conduct by attending the event

Those ordered into quarantine included the city's police, immigration and anti-graft chiefs along with at least 20 lawmakers.

Lam said investigations will be conducted to assess whether the officials had breached conduct by attending the event.

“I have to reiterate that concerted efforts of the whole society are needed to fight the virus and that government officials should lead by example, abide by the rules, stay vigilant and refrain from taking part in high-risk activities,” Lam said, adding that she would take “appropriate actions” against the relevant officials after the investigation.

Chief Executive’s Office director Eric Chan Kwok-ki will investigate the 10 politically appointed officials and Independent Commission Against Corruption chief Simon Peh Yun-lu. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen will oversee the probe into two heads of department who are civil servants.

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Nip will also double as the head of the Home Affairs Bureau while Caspar Tsui Ying-wai is in quarantine. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah will take over the duties of Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu.

Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee apologized in a statement issued late Friday, adding that he would fully cooperate with the arrangements made by the health authorities. 

During his leave, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) Kwok Yam-shu will be the Acting Commissioner of Police.

Several other officials including Tsui and Hui have since issued apologies.

In a separate statement late Friday, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said it is conducting a full investigation into the banquet after preliminary information suggested someone might have violated anti-epidemic rules.

The investigation, covering the restaurant operator and staff as well as banquet guests, aims to ascertain if anyone has breached relevant regulations, including the use of contact tracing app LeaveHomeSafe and wearing of masks.