Special traffic arrangements for Ching Ming Festival

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts to facilitate grave sweepers, and to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements and pedestrian safety during Ching Ming Festival.

Hong Kong Island
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(1) Chai Wan

A. Road closure

Phase I

     Vehicles will be allowed to use Cape Collison Road east of Lin Shing Road from 7am to 7pm daily on March 28, April 18, 19, 25, 26 and 30, and May 2 and 3. Special traffic arrangements in Phase II may be implemented when necessary.

Phase II

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 7pm daily on March 29, April 10 to 13, and May 1:

– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery;
– Wan Tsui Lane;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for green minibus (GMB) route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Southbound Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M, 16X and 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit, and vehicles heading to Wan Tsui Estate; – Northbound Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit; and
– If necessary, the leftmost lane of northbound Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Fei Tsui Road.

     Depending on traffic condition, taxis and public light buses (PLBs) may be allowed to enter Lin Shing Road and turn right to Cape Collinson Road.

     Special traffic arrangements in Phase III may be implemented when necessary.

Phase III

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 7pm daily on April 4 and 5:

– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery;
– Wan Tsui Lane;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Southbound Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit, and vehicles heading to Wan Tsui Estate; and
– If necessary, the leftmost lane of northbound Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Fei Tsui Road.

B. Traffic diversions

     In connection with the above road closures, the following roads will be re-routed:

– Cape Collinson Road between its slip road to Crematorium and Shek O Road will be re-routed one-way westbound; and
– Eastern section of Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Fei Tsui Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.

C. No parking

     No parking will be permitted along the following roads:

– Cape Collinson Road;
– Lin Shing Road;
– Shek O Road between Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre and Tai Tam Road;
– Wan Tsui Road;
– The lay-by along Shek O Road; and
– The lay-by along Tai Tam Road between Shek O Road and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir.

     Taxis, PLBs and private cars cannot enter Lin Shing Road for Cape Collinson Road, except for vehicles gaining access to Wan Tsui Estate. They will be allowed to drop off passengers at the PLB stand on Fei Tsui Road near the junction with Wan Tsui Road.

     PLBs cannot pick up/set down passengers along Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Lin Shing Road.

     Depending on traffic conditions, PLBs may not be allowed to enter Tai Tam Road from Chai Wan Road.

(2) Pok Fu Lam

     Consort Rise between Victoria Road and Bisney Road will be re-routed one-way southbound from 7am to 5pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 11 and 12.

(3) Aberdeen

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 6pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 11 and 12:

– Peel Rise in the vicinity of the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery; and
– The slip road from Shek Pai Wan Road leading to the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery.

Kowloon
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(1) Tseung Kwan O

     The access road leading to Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery will be closed from 5.30am to 6pm daily on March 28, and April 10 to 13, except for special route No. 14S of Kowloon Motor Bus Company, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit.

     The above road will be closed from 5.30am to 8pm daily on March 29, and April 4 and 5.

     Grave-sweepers can go to the cemetery on foot via the access road on Ko Chiu Road or via the footpath with staircases opposite MTR Tiu Keng Leng Station. Those using wheel chairs are advised to enter the cemetery at Ko Chiu Road.

(2) Sai Kung

     Mang Kung Wo Road leading to Kei Pik Shan Cemetery will be closed from 8am to 5pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4 and 5, except for vehicles with permit.

(3) Diamond Hill

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 6pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 and 13:

A. Road closure

– The access road leading to the Diamond Hill Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The access road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and the China Light and Power (CLP) Sub-station, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The access road adjacent to the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour leading to Sze Chen Hall, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– Yuk Hok Lane, except for private cars and taxis; and
– Yuk Wah Street east of Tsz Wan Shan Road, except for private cars and taxis.

B. Traffic diversions

– Vehicles must follow southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill for entering or leaving Fung Shing Street or Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Vehicles must follow northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill for entering or leaving Grand View Garden car park;
– Vehicles from eastbound Po Kong Village Road can turn to westbound Yuk Wah Street via the easternmost traffic lane of Tsz Wan Shan (South) Bus Terminus;
– Traffic along westbound Fung Shing Street cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to eastbound Fung Shing Street;
– Vehicles from Grand View Garden car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Grand View Garden car park;
– Vehicles from Fu Shan Estate car park cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Po Kong Village Road School Village car park;
– Vehicles from Po Kong Village Road School Village car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane;
– Traffic along the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Vehicles from Tsz Wan Shan (South) Bus Terminus cannot turn right to eastbound Yuk Wah Street, except franchised buses; and
– Traffic along Yuk Wah Crescent cannot turn right to eastbound Yuk Wah Street.

C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
     Parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended:
     
– Metered parking spaces on the unnamed road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and CLP Sub-station;
– Five metered parking spaces in Yuk Wah Street car park; and
– Motorcycle parking spaces at Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

     Po Kong Village Road School Village car park will be closed and designated as taxi and private car drop-off point from 7am to 6pm daily on April 4 and 5.
     
D. Passengers pick-up and drop-off points

     The pick-up and drop-off points for taxis will be at westbound Fung Shing Street near Fu Yan House of Fu Shan Estate and westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

     The pick-up and drop-off point for private cars will be at westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

(4) Cheung Sha Wan

A. Road closure

– The unnamed road leading from Wing Ming Street to the catholic cemetery will be closed from 7am to 7pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4 and 5; 
– Wing Ming Street will be closed from 7am to 7pm daily on April 4 and 5; and
– Entrance road to the catholic cemetery on Wing Tak Road will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on April 4 and 5, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit.

B. No stopping or parking

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented on April 4 and 5:

– Parking will be prohibited on Yu Chau West Street between Castle Peak Road and King Lam Street from 7am to 7pm daily;
– Vehicles are prohibited to drop off or pick up passengers along Yu Chau West Street near Wing Ming Street; and
– Stopping or parking will be prohibited on Ching Cheung Road from 7am to 7pm daily.

C. Suspension of on-street parking spaces

     All parking spaces on Yu Chau West Street; Tai Nan West Street; and King Lam Street and Wing Hong Street between Yu Chau West Street and Tai Nan West Street will be suspended from 7am to 7pm daily on April 4 and 5. 
 
     Members of the public wishing to gain access to the catholic cemetery are advised to use the subway across Ching Cheung Road from the end of Wing Ming Lane. No parking facilities in the cemetery will be open to public use.

New Territories
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(1) Wo Hop Shek

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19:

A. Road closure (daily from 6am to 5pm)

– Kiu Tau Road, except for hearses;
– Ming Yin Road, except for franchised buses;
– Wo Ka Lau Road; and
– All access roads within Wo Hop Shek Cemetery.

B. Traffic diversions

– Traffic along northbound Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon cannot turn right to southbound Pak Wo Road; and
– Traffic along southbound Pak Wo Road near MTR Fanling Station cannot turn right to the car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon.

C. Suspension of parking spaces (daily from 7am to 5pm)

– The car park on Wo Hing Road near Ming Yin Road roundabout, except for taxis;
– The car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon, except for the disabled parking spaces and public buses of the residents’ service route NR112. Depending on prevailing situation, vehicles carrying elderly and disabled passengers may be allowed to use the car park for interchange with shuttle buses heading for the Wo Hop Shek cemetery; and
– Parking spaces on Wah Ming Lane.

(2) Sandy Ridge

     The Frontier Closed Area from Lo Wu Station to Lo Wu Station Road will be open to grave-sweepers between 6am and 6pm daily until April 19.

     The following roads will be closed between 6am and 6pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19:

– Lo Wu Station Road from its junction with Man Kam To Road to a point of about 280 metres west of the same junction, near the cemetery management office, except for vehicles of Lo Wu Village residents and vehicles that are allowed to park at the car park of MTR Lo Wu Station; and
– Sha Ling Road, except for vehicles of Sha Ling residents.

(3) Lau Fau Shan

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from 8.45am to 4pm daily on March 29, and April 4 and 5:

– Deep Bay Road between Mong Tseng San Road and Lau Fau Shan roundabout will be re-routed to one-way eastbound;
– Mong Tseng San Road will be re-routed to one-way southbound;
– Traffic along Deep Bay Road from Sha Kiu Tsuen and Mong Tseng Tsuen towards Lau Fau Shan upon reaching Mong Tseng San Road must turn left to Mong Tseng San Road towards Tin Ying Road, except GMB route 35; and
– Traffic along Tin Ying Road cannot enter the slip road heading for Mong Tseng San Road.

(4) Tuen Mun

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented daily from 7am to 7pm on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19:

A. Intermittent road closure

– Tsing San Path; and
– The access roads leading to Ching Chung Koon and Ching Chung Sin Yuen.

B. Traffic diversions

– Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road will be re-routed one-way northbound; and
– San Fuk Road between Leung Shun Street and Tsing Chun Koon Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.

C. Passengers pick-up and drop-off points

     Three temporary pick up and drop off points will be set up at northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Castle Peak Hospital, northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Tuen Mun Hospital, and westbound Tsing Lun Road outside Tuen Mun Hospital.

(5) Kwai Tsing

     Wing Yin Street and Wing Hau Street will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on March 28, and April 10, 11, 13, 18 and 25, except for hearses and franchised buses. 

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 5pm daily on March 29, and April 4, 5, 12 and 19, and when necessary:

– Southbound Wing Tak Street between the entrance of City Point and Wing Shun Street, Wing Yin Street, and Wing Shun Street between Wing Tak Street and Kwai Hei Street will be closed, except for hearses, franchised buses, GMBs and taxis;
– Wing Chong Street, Wing Hau Street and Wing Lap Street will be closed; and
– Wing Kei Road between Kwai Hei Street and Wing Kin Road will be re-routed one-way southbound. Vehicles cannot travel via Kwai Hei Street for Wing Kin Road.

(6) Sha Tin

A. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 6pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19:

– Lower Shing Mun Road between Yau On Street and Fu Shan Crematorium, except for hearses, funeral vehicles, GMB route 64K, and vehicles of residents of Pak Tin Areas 2 to 5 and Lakeview Garden; and
– Pai Tau Street west of its junction with Sheung Wo Che Road.

     To Fung Shan Road north of its junction with Pak Lok Path will be closed between 9am and 5pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 and 13, except for vehicles serving residents and people working in To Fung Shan.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

     All metered parking spaces on Yau On Street and Lower Shing Mun Road will be suspended from 7am to 6pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19.

(7) Tsuen Wan

     Lo Wai Road between Lo Wai Pai Lau and Yuen Yuen Institute will be closed from 8am to 5pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4 and 5, except for franchised buses, taxis, GMB route 81 and vehicles with permit.

     All metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road near Yi Pei Chun Road, Lo Wai old bus terminus and outside Yuen Yuen Institute will be suspended from 8am to 5pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4, 5, and 10 to 13. Metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road near Yuen Yuen Institute will also be suspended from 5pm to 8am on the following day daily on March 27 and 28.

(8) Lantau Island

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 6am to 6pm daily on March 28 and 29, and April 4 and 5:

– The closed Tung Chung Road between Shek Mun Kap Road and South Lantau Road will be temporarily opened; and
– All others roads on south Lantau will remain closed, except for vehicles with permit.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precinct of the above areas may be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.




Import of poultry meat and products from Bács-Kiskun County in Hungary suspended

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (March 27) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Bács-Kiskun County, Hungary, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products, including poultry eggs, from the district with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 3 170 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Hungary last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the Hungarian authorities over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE on avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.




Labour Day Reception 2020 cancelled

     In view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Government announced today (March 27) that the Labour Day Reception 2020 scheduled for April 28 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has been cancelled.
      
     "The Labour Day Reception is an annual event organised by the Government to pay tribute to the labour sector for the essential role it has played all along in promoting the development of Hong Kong. Upon careful consideration of the latest infection situation, the Government had to call off the reception this year to reduce social contact and the risk of virus transmission," a Government spokesman said.  

     ​The Government thanked the labour sector again for its significant contributions to the city's sustained development and will continue to take appropriate measures to support the sector so as to mitigate the negative impact of the epidemic on the labour market and employees.

 




Global Financial Centres Index Report

     Hong Kong was ranked number six in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 27 Report published by the Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen. 
 
     A Government spokesman today (March 27) said, "Hong Kong remains one of the top 10 leading international financial centres in the world. The recent report noted a high level of volatility in the ranking of the financial centres when compared with previous reports, probably reflecting the uncertainty around international trade and the impact of geopolitical and local unrest. We note that the overall ratings of financial centres ranked number two to six were very close. Among the five areas of competitiveness (namely Business Environment, Human Capital, Infrastructure, Financial Sector Development, and Reputational and General) as mentioned in the Report, Hong Kong ranked above some of these centres with a higher overall ranking in four or more areas. Notably, Hong Kong was ranked number three in the areas of Business Environment and Human Capital.

     "However, in the index's online questionnaire, which gauged views from respondents based on perceptions, Hong Kong's score has dropped more significantly compared with the top five financial centres.
 
     "As we see it, the unprecedented challenges arising from local social incidents in Hong Kong in the past year, and how these were perceived overseas, might have affected Hong Kong's score in the online questionnaire and the overall ranking."
 
     The spokesman added, "Hong Kong's institutional strengths and underlying fundamentals remain intact and strong. Despite the challenging socio-economic situation in the latter half of 2019, Hong Kong's financial system remains resilient. Different facets of the financial services sector continue to function in an orderly manner. The Linked Exchange Rate System has been operating smoothly. There have been no notable outflows of funds."
 
     "Hong Kong has a fine tradition of rule of law and judicial independence, a business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, free flow of capital and information, etc. 
 
     "Hong Kong is the world's largest initial public offering centre for 2019 and the largest offshore Renminbi business centre. As at end-2019, the total capital under management in private equity in Hong Kong ranked second in Asia, only after Mainland China. Hong Kong is the gateway for access to the vast Mainland Chinese market with an extensive network with the rest of the world. Hong Kong's financial markets operate under effective and transparent regulations that are in line with international standards. We have a full range of financial products and a large pool of financial talents. These competitive edges will continue to sustain Hong Kong's status as a leading global financial centre.  
 
     "Looking ahead, we will strive to address the perception issues and clarify doubts. We will step up our promotional efforts and put across the message that Hong Kong remains a leading international financial centre and the gateway to the Mainland Chinese market. 
 
     "We will also continue to sharpen the competitive edges of Hong Kong and develop the city into a broader and deeper fundraising platform. Leveraging the opportunities presented by the Guangdong Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, we will further enhance Hong Kong's position as a centre for offshore Renminbi business, asset and wealth management, insurance and risk management as well as green finance, with a view to promoting the diversified development of the financial markets," the spokesman added. 
 
     The GFCI Report is released in March and September every year since 2007. In GFCI 27, 108 financial centres were assessed. The overall rating of Hong Kong was 737. Hong Kong was ranked number six, dropping three places from the September issue of the index last year.




Appointments to Housing Authority announced

     The Chief Executive has re-appointed four serving members and appointed four new members to the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) from April 1 for two years, the Government announced today (March 27).
 
     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "We are grateful to the four new members for accepting the appointment and to the existing members for agreeing to continue their service with the HA for another term."
 
     The re-appointed members are:
 
Dr Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau
Mr Raymond Chan Yuk-ming
Ms Cleresa Wong Pie-yue
Ms Cissy Chan Ching-sze
 
     The new members are:

Ms Serena Lau Sze-wan
Mr Wallace Hong Wing-kwong
Mr Alan Man Hoi-leung
Ms Au Chor-kwan
 
     Four serving members will retire from the HA. "We wish to thank the retiring members for their remarkable contributions over the past years," the spokesman said.
 
     The retiring members are:
 
Retiring on April 1
 
Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung
Mr Chua Hoi-wai
Ms So Ching
 
Retiring on August 13
 
Mr Stanley Wong Yuen-fai

     The membership of the HA from April 1, 2020, is as follows:
 
Chairman
———–
Secretary for Transport and Housing
 
Vice-chairman
—————-
Director of Housing

Non-official members
————————
Mr Stanley Wong Yuen-fai (up to August 12, 2020)
Mr Cheung Tat-tong
Dr Lo Wai-kwok
Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun
Mr Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan
Mr Kwok Wai-keung
Mr Dennis Kwok Wing-hang
Professor Joseph Lee Kok-long
Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing
Professor Chan Ka-lok
Ms Melissa Kaye Pang
Miss Vena Cheng Wei-yan
Dr Miranda Lou Lai-wah
Mr Shiu Ka-fai
Mr Andrew Wan Siu-kin
Dr Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau
Mr Raymond Chan Yuk-ming
Ms Cleresa Wong Pie-yue
Ms Cissy Chan Ching-sze
Mr Anthony Chiu Kwok-wai
Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi
Mr Lau Chun-kong
Ms Clara Chan Yuen-shan
Ms Serena Lau Sze-wan
Mr Wallace Hong Wing-kwong
Mr Alan Man Hoi-leung
Ms Au Chor-kwan

Official members
——————-
Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury)
Director of Lands