Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided an unlicensed food factory at a premises at the junction of Hung Shui Kiu Tin Sam Road and Hung Yuen Road in Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long, last night (June 14). &nbs… read more

     The Government announced today (June 15) the launch of the Green Bond Grant Scheme (GBGS), as promulgated in the 2018-19 Budget, to subsidise eligible green bond issuers in obtaining certification under the Green Finance Certification Scheme (GFCS) established by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency.

     “The GBGS aims to encourage green bond issuances to make use of Hong Kong’s competitive capital markets and our sophisticated financial and professional services. From a broader perspective, the enhanced transparency and accreditation standards of green financial products would be conducive to strengthening market confidence in green finance, and help establish Hong Kong as a global green finance hub,” a government spokesperson said.

     The full cost of obtaining certification under the GFCS for eligible green bond issuances will be granted, up to a maximum of $800,000 per bond issuance. First time and repeated issuers with their green bonds of any tenor issued and listed in Hong Kong, and denominated in any currency at a minimum size of $500 million (or the equivalent in foreign currency), are welcome to apply. The GBGS will be valid for a period of three years. Further details on the grant eligibility criteria are available in the Annex. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (June 15) the progress made in its handling of banking complaints received as at end-May 2018. Ba… read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 15) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From June 8 to 14, the CHP recorded three confirmed DF cases. The patients had been to Thailand (two cases) and Indonesia (one case) during the incubation period.
 
     As of yesterday (June 14), 32 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (15), the Philippines (seven) and Cambodia (three).
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia. In Guangdong, there were 38 cases this year as of June 14. The latest figures for 2018 reveal that 17 302 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 1 223 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 53 in Japan. In the Americas, the latest figures indicate that 110 291 cases have been filed in Brazil in 2018.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.
   

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a concentration of DEET of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP’s tips for using insect repellents for details. read more

     The Islands District Office (IDO), in collaboration with relevant government departments and local organisations, conducted a rescue and evacuation drill today (June 15) to enhance preparedness in the event of serious flooding in Tai O and to promote residents’ understanding of the emergency response arrangements.

     The Fire Services Department (FSD), the Police, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the Social Welfare Department (SWD), the Housing Department, the Civil Aid Service (CAS), the Tai O Rural Committee, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council and the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office participated in the drill.

     According to the emergency response plan, when the HKO forecasts that the sea level at Tai O would rise to 3.3 metres above Chart Datum (mCD) or more in the coming few hours during a tropical cyclone, the HKO will issue an early alert to relevant government departments/organisations and resident representatives/fishermen representatives by SMS. Upon receipt of the early alert, the IDO will activate an emergency co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, jointly set up by the IDO, the FSD, the Police, the SWD, other government departments concerned and relevant non-governmental organisations. The emergency co-ordination centre will co-ordinate any necessary evacuation, rescue and emergency relief efforts for Tai O.

     Meanwhile, upon receipt of the early alert from the HKO, the resident representatives/fishermen representatives will help to disseminate the information to residents so that the residents can stay vigilant on flooding and take refuge in safe locations if needed. Temporary shelters at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office on the ground floor of Lung Tin Shopping Centre and the Lung Tin Transit Centre will be opened for residents in need.

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