The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 31) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit. The case is detailed below:
 

   "Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Locally, the CHP's surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed fever or lower respiratory symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.
 
    Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS. 

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     At around 5.30pm today (August 31), some radical protestors participate in unlawful assembly and block various main road, seriously obstructing the traffic. Violent protestors continue to throw corrosives and petrol bombs on Central Government Complex, Legislative Council Complex and Police Headquarters. Some protestors even set fires on water barriers. Such acts pose a serious threat to everyone at scene and breach public peace. Police strongly condemn the violent acts of radical protestors.

     Police warn the radical and violent protestors to stop violent acts and leave immediately.  Police are continuing dispersal operation in Admiralty area.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
      
     Violent protestors are currently occupying Harcourt Road in Admiralty, vandalising the Legislative Council Complex, and throwing petrol bombs, corrosives and bricks. 

     After repeated but futile warnings, Police have deployed minimum force to disperse the protestors, including coloured water and tear gas.
      
     Police warn the protesters to stop all illegal acts and leave immediately.

     In response to media enquiries on constitutional development, a Government spokesman today (August 31) said, "Universal suffrage of 'one person, one vote' for selecting the Chief Executive (CE) and electing all Legislative Council (LegCo) members is enshrined as an ultimate aim in the Basic Law. Article 45 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China (the Basic Law) stipulates that the method for selecting the CE shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the HKSAR and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The ultimate aim is the selection of the CE by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures.  Article 68 of the Basic Law also stipulates that the method for forming the LegCo shall be specified in the light of the actual situation in the HKSAR and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The ultimate aim is the election of all the members of the LegCo by universal suffrage."
     
     "Constitutional development must be taken forward in accordance with the Basic Law as well as the relevant Interpretation and Decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC). The successful implementation of universal suffrage for selecting the CE requires endorsement from the LegCo by a two-thirds majority, consent of the CE, and approval by the NPCSC. The HKSAR Government of the previous term spent a total of 20 months to deal with the issue. Unfortunately, the relevant motion was voted down as it did not obtain support from a two-thirds majority of all members of the LegCo. The process has also created serious conflicts in the community."
 
     "Issues relating to constitutional development are extremely controversial and the Government must act prudently. Rashly embarking on political reform again will further polarise society, which is an irresponsible act. Any discussions on constitutional development have to be premised on the legal basis, and be conducted under a peaceful atmosphere with mutual trust in a pragmatic manner. The HKSAR Government will assess the situation carefully and take forward constitutional development in accordance with the Basic Law and the relevant Interpretation and Decisions of the NPCSC."

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 31) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.