Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 1) 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 January 25 to 31, the CHP recorded two imported DF cases. The patients had been to Indonesia and Maldives respectively during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (January 31), 14 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Indonesia (three), Maldives (three), Malaysia (two), the Philippines (two) and Thailand (two). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas of Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2019 revealed that 2 834 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 1 015 cases in Singapore (since December 30, 2018) and 22 in Japan.

     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 loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or exposed parts of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF and Zika virus infection should apply insect repellent for 14 days or at least 21 days respectively 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 DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

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

     The Government announced today (February 1) that the income and asset limits of the individual-based Work Incentive Transport Subsidy (WITS) Scheme will be raised starting from the claim month of February 2019. The new limits, detailed in the Annex, are applicable to applications for subsidy for that month onwards.

     Starting from April 1, the Working Family Allowance Office (WFAO) of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency will take up the processing of individual-based WITS applications from the Labour Department (LD). The LD will issue letters to current recipients of the individual-based WITS on the detailed arrangements. Of note, the application claim period will be revised from the “past six to 12 calendar months” now to the “immediate past six calendar months” before the submission of an application. The WFAO will put in place transitional arrangements to assist applicants in lodging their applications.

     Before April 1, enquiries about the WITS Scheme can be made at its 24-hour hotline 2717 1771 (handled by 1823) or the enquiry counters of the LD’s WITS Division at Unit 1225, 12/F, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. Details of the Scheme are also available at the LD’s homepage (www.labour.gov.hk).

     As for the details of individual-based WITS applications from April 1 and transitional arrangements, please call the WFAO’s 24-hour hotline 2558 3000, or approach the enquiry counters on 9/F, 181 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong. Further details will also be uploaded to the new website of the WITS Scheme later. read more

     The Government announced today (February 1) that the income and asset limits of the individual-based Work Incentive Transport Subsidy (WITS) Scheme will be raised starting from the claim month of February 2019. The new limits, detailed in the Annex, are applicable to applications for subsidy for that month onwards.

     Starting from April 1, the Working Family Allowance Office (WFAO) of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency will take up the processing of individual-based WITS applications from the Labour Department (LD). The LD will issue letters to current recipients of the individual-based WITS on the detailed arrangements. Of note, the application claim period will be revised from the “past six to 12 calendar months” now to the “immediate past six calendar months” before the submission of an application. The WFAO will put in place transitional arrangements to assist applicants in lodging their applications.

     Before April 1, enquiries about the WITS Scheme can be made at its 24-hour hotline 2717 1771 (handled by 1823) or the enquiry counters of the LD’s WITS Division at Unit 1225, 12/F, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. Details of the Scheme are also available at the LD’s homepage (www.labour.gov.hk).

     As for the details of individual-based WITS applications from April 1 and transitional arrangements, please call the WFAO’s 24-hour hotline 2558 3000, or approach the enquiry counters on 9/F, 181 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong. Further details will also be uploaded to the new website of the WITS Scheme later. read more

     â€‹The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 1) urged members of the public to keep the environment clean and not to litter when celebrating the Lunar New Year (LNY).

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, “The Government’s efforts alone will not suffice to keep the environment clean and tidy. Members of the public and shop operators also have the responsibility to dispose of waste properly in public places.

     “During the LNY, the FEHD will enhance street cleaning services at locations where large crowds are expected, such as increasing the frequency of street sweeping and refuse collection. In addition, more staff of the department will be deployed to patrol and take enforcement action against persons found littering, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices of $1,500.”

     The spokesman also reminded members of the public to pay attention to food safety, not to patronise unlicensed cooked food hawkers, and to keep passageways clear. The FEHD will, depending on actual circumstances, take appropriate actions against illegal cooked food hawkers, shop front extension and hawking activities causing street obstruction.

     He appealed to members of the public to exercise civic-mindedness and self-discipline, and keep the environment clean while enjoying the festive season. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      Hong Kong Monetary Authority tenders to be held on Feb 12:   Tender date : February 12, 2019 Paper on offer : E… read more