The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) will implement a trial scheme whereby under-occupation households residing in the HA's public rental housing (PRH) estates, whose family members are all aged 70 or above, are allowed to enjoy full rent exemption upon transfer to other PRH flats of suitable sizes.
 
     To allow for more efficient use of public housing resources, the Policy Address 2018 suggested that the HA consider launching the new initiative. The Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) of the HA approved the trial scheme at its meeting today (June 21). The HA will allocate 300 PRH flats for the trial scheme on a first-come, first-served basis for a period of one year. Eligible applicants will be given a maximum of three housing offers of either a new or refurbished flat with the provision of Domestic Removal Allowance. The trial scheme will be implemented in the latter half of this year.
 
     The Policy Address 2018 also announced that the Government had accepted the Hong Kong Housing Society (HS)'s recommendation of launching the Flat for Flat Pilot Scheme for Elderly Owners (Pilot Scheme). Under the Pilot Scheme, owners aged 60 or above who have owned their flats under the Flat-for-Sale Scheme of the HS for at least 10 years can sell their original flat and then buy a smaller flat in the Secondary Market without payment of premium.
 
     The SHC at the meeting today approved allowing eligible elderly owners of the HS' Pilot Scheme to purchase subsidised sale flats (SSFs) in the Secondary Market administered by the HA.

     Allowing these owners to purchase a smaller SSF in either the Secondary Market of the HA or the HS will provide them with a wider choice and enhance the attractiveness of the Pilot Scheme. This is conducive to meeting the objective of the Pilot Scheme and enables the HS to fully test out the "trade-down" concept.
 
     Under the existing policy, persons who have purchased a flat under any SSF scheme administered by the HA, the HS or the Urban Renewal Authority are barred for life from purchasing another SSF.
 
     The HS plans to launch the Pilot Scheme and invite applications in the second half of 2019.

     As the Police Headquarters was surrounded by protestors with roads obstructed in the vicinity, a total of 43 calls of 999 hotline in Wan Chai Division could not be immediately handled as at 5.30pm today (June 21). Extra resources were deployed and Police service of Wan Chai Division was delayed as a result. Police hereby appeal to all to leave the scene as soon as possible so that the normal operation of 999 service can be resumed.

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 male Psychiatry ward, the spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital gave the following update today (June 21):
 
     One more 45-year-old patient in the ward presented with respiratory symptoms. An appropriate viral test was arranged for the patient and the test result was positive for Influenza A. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation 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 case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 21) that Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool in Yuen Long District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 9.15pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

     Regarding protesters gathering at Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai earlier, despite the fact that most of the protesters have dispersed peacefully, there are still about 10 protesters currently gathered at Immigration Headquarters. The situation is in good order and has not caused any damage or affected members of the public using immigration-related services.

     A spokesperson for the Immigration Department (ImmD) reiterated that the department respects the freedom to express views, but it wishes it to be done in a peaceful and rational manner and not to affect the rights of other members of the public using immigration-related services, especially as many people urgently need to make immigration applications such as applying for travel documents and making extension applications. The ImmD spokesperson appeals to those who are currently at or proceeding to the Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai for immigration-related services to stay vigilant for their personal safety and be patient while having their application processed. ImmD staff members will process their applications as soon as possible.