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Author Archives: hksar gov

Remaining Council meetings this week and next week not to be held

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     Under Rule 14(1) of the Rules of Procedure, the President of the Legislative Council has decided that the remaining Council meetings scheduled for this week and next week below will not be held:
 

  1. Chief Executive’s Question Time on July 3;
  2. regular Council meeting of July 3;
  3. regular Council meeting of July 10; and
  4. Chief Executive’s Question and Answer Session on July 11.
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East Asia

CHP investigates hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in kindergarten in Yuen Long

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 2) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a kindergarten in Yuen Long, and again urged the public, schools and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.
 
     The 21 affected children, 11 boys and 10 girls aged 3 to 6, have developed oral ulcers, rash over the hands or feet and fever since June 22. All of them sought medical attention but none required hospitalisation. All patients are in a stable condition.
 
     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit to the school and advised the management on necessary infection control and preventive measures. The school has been put under medical surveillance. Investigations are ongoing.
 
     “HFMD is common in children while adult cases may also appear. It is usually caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. It is clinically characterised by maculopapular rashes or vesicular lesions occurring on the palms, soles and other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. Vesicular lesions and ulcers may also be found in the oral cavity. Sometimes patients present mainly with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, namely herpangina, without rash on the hands or feet,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     “HFMD occurs throughout the year with the usual peak occurring from May to July. A smaller peak may also occur from October to December. According to the CHP’s latest surveillance data, the local activity of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is currently at high level. As young children are more susceptible, parents should stay alert to their health. Institutional outbreaks may occur where HFMD can easily spread among young children with close contact,” the spokesman added.

     To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 

  • Maintain good air circulation;
  • Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
  • Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
  • Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry. For metallic surfaces, disinfect with 70 per cent alcohol;
  • Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry. For metallic surfaces, disinfect with 70 per cent alcohol;
  • Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted;
  • Avoid going to overcrowded places; and
  • Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
 
     The public may visit the CHP’s page on HFMD and EV71 infection and Public Health Advice for Play Facilities for more information. read more

East Asia

Court convictions secured in two cases of illegal waste disposal

     A person and a company involved in two cases of illegal waste disposal were convicted and fined a total of $14,000 today (July 2) at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

     From December last year to January this year, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) successfully seized offenders, including a driver and a recycling company, based on intelligence gathered through reports from members of the public and surveillance camera systems. The two cases of illegal disposal of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste as well as construction waste occurred in public places on Kwai Hei Street in Kwai Chung, and a private lot adjacent to Wo Yi Hop Village and Shing Mun Road. The waste disposed of was mainly construction waste. The waste deposited not only created obstructions in passages, but also caused environmental hygiene problems in the areas nearby. After gathering evidence, the EPD prosecuted the person and the company involved in accordance with the WDO.

     A spokesman for the EPD reminded all members of the renovation, construction, transportation and recycling sectors, including persons-in-charge of construction and recycling sites, workers and drivers as well as owners of goods vehicles, that they must properly deliver construction waste and C&I waste to government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places and on the roadside. Those who dispose of construction waste on a private lot also commit an offence unless written permission from the relevant land owner is obtained and a confirmation from the EPD is received. Under the WDO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months’ imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.

     The spokesman urged members of the public to make reports to the department if they witness any illegal disposal of waste. They can record videos or take photos and call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111. read more

East Asia