A music concert production company and its female director were respectively fined $10,000 and sentenced to 80 hours of community service today (July 10) after conviction for supplying services with false trade descriptions applied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), on June 19 at Kowloon City Magistrates' Court.

     Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a music concert production company had engaged in unfair trade practices in the course of promoting music concerts.

     After investigation, it was revealed that the company and its director falsely claimed on the promotional posters that the concerts were supported by a well-known organisation and with participation of two famous musicians.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 10) investigating two outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) involving a kindergarten in Happy Valley and a primary school in Tsuen Wan, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.

     The outbreak at the kindergarten in Happy Valley involves six boys and 13 girls aged 3 to 5 and two staff members, who developed vomiting and diarrhoea since July 7. All of them sought medical attention but none required hospitalisation. They have all along been in a stable condition.

     The outbreak at the primary school in Tsuen Wan involves 12 boys and 19 girls aged 6 to 13, who developed vomiting, diarrhoea and fever since July 8. Among them, 22 sought medical attention and two required hospitalisation. They have all along been in a stable condition.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted site visits and provided health advice to the staff of the schools concerning proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The schools have been put under medical surveillance.

     The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
 

• Ensure proper personal hygiene;
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
• Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Pay attention to food hygiene;
• Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
• Drink boiled water; and
• Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.

     The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Influenza A in a female psychiatric ward, the spokesperson for Kwai Chung Hospital gave the following update today (July 10):
 
     Two more patients (aged 25 and 60) in the ward presented with upper respiratory tract symptoms since July 5. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Influenza A. The patients concerned are being treated with stable condition.
 
     Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to the established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
 

     The results of the 2019 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 10). Young persons in custody obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year.
 
     A total of 14 young persons in custody from Pik Uk Correctional Institution, Cape Collinson Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution enrolled in this year's HKDSE Examination. They took a total of 78 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 56 papers, representing 71.8 per cent of all papers taken. A candidate at Pik Uk Correctional Institution scored the highest result, with 23 marks overall in the six papers taken and attaining level 5 in Chinese language, while one 17-year-old candidate in Cape Collinson Correctional Institution who obtained level 5 in Economics became the youngest person in custody to meet the general entrance requirements for local universities. The latter candidate only attained the academic level of secondary three before admission to the institution and completed the three-year curriculum in less than a year.
 
     The exams sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, as well as the two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.
 
     Education has long been provided by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to help young persons in custody further their studies, find jobs and reintegrate into society after their release.
 
     The Superintendent of Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, Mr Chan Siu-hang, said, "Study prepares persons in custody for their reintegration into society, and academic qualifications obtained in public examinations improve their chances of finding jobs or furthering their studies."
 
     Preparation of young persons in custody for the HKDSE Examination is not an easy task, Mr Chan added. In the process, the persons in custody demonstrate their determination and perseverance in overcoming learning difficulties. Family support as well as guidance and assistance from CSD staff and teachers are also very important to them. In addition to gaining accredited qualifications, it is imperative that young persons in custody are able to establish positive attitudes and values through participation in examinations, Mr Chan said. He encouraged young persons in custody to continue to seize the chance to study and strive for a better future. He also called on the public to give rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and support their reintegration into society.
 
     The department provides a half-day education programme and half-day vocational training for young persons in custody under the age of 21. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult persons in custody, who are encouraged to participate in studies on a voluntary basis.
 
     To keep in line with the development of Hong Kong education, the CSD has initiated the New Senior Secondary curriculum at correctional institutions and helps young persons in custody sit the HKDSE Examination. Young persons in custody are given the same opportunity to study at correctional institutions as students in mainstream schools.

        

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Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 10) that due to inclement weather, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay First Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.