The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 9) 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.

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Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 9) that the red tide found in water off Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District has dissipated. However, due to big waves, the red flag remains hoisted. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 8) seized about 14 300 kilograms of suspected red sandalwood from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. The estimated market value of the seizure was about $8.5 million.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Taiwan. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected red sandalwood in the container.

     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for ten years.

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

  

     One more nomination for the by-election for the Tai Nan Constituency of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council was received by the Returning Officer today (February 9).

     This brings the total number of nomination forms received to two since the start of the nomination period on February 8. The nomination period will continue until February 21.

     Particulars of the nominees are available on the Electoral Affairs Commission website (www.eac.hk/en/distco/2019ytmd_tn_candidates.htm).

     If the number of validly nominated candidates is more than one at the by-election, a poll will be held on March 24, 2019 (Sunday).

     The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health today (February 9) reported that the suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) pending results yesterday (February 8), upon preliminary testing, tested negative for MERS Coronavirus.