The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 23) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Kwai Chung, and again urged the public, schools and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.

     The outbreak affected 14 boys and 10 girls, aged 2 to 4, who have developed fever, oral ulcers, rash and vesicles over hands or feet since November 16. All of them sought medical attention and one required hospitalisation but was discharged after treatment. 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. While the disease activity is usually higher from May to July, a smaller peak may also occur from October to December. 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.

    Regarding the issue of the Hung Hom Station Extension works under the Shatin to Central Link project, the Highways Department (HyD) received a holistic proposal from the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) this afternoon (November 23).
     
     Since the MTRCL could not provide sufficient actual construction records, including the working drawings adopted during the construction period, to verify the condition, works quality and structural safety of the platform and diaphragm wall of the Hung Hom Station Extension, the Government has requested the MTRCL to formulate a holistic strategy for assessing the acceptability of the built structures.
     
     All relevant government departments will conduct a detailed review on the holistic proposal submitted by the MTRCL and will request the MTRCL to provide further information if necessary. Upon completion of the review and confirmation of acceptance of the proposal, the Government will make the holistic proposal public.

     The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, today (November 23) visited Tuen Mun District, where he met with local District Council members and visited an elderly centre.

     Accompanied by the Acting District Officer (Tuen Mun), Miss Jenny Yip, Mr Wong first met with the Chairman of the Tuen Mun District Council, Mr Leung Kin-man, and local District Council members to exchange views on district matters and residents' issues of concern.

     He then proceeded to Tuen Mun San Hui with Mr Leung and the Vice Chairman, Mr Lothar Lee, to gain a better understanding of its latest developments.

     Mr Wong later visited the Yan Oi Tong Woo Chung District Elderly Community Centre. He was briefed on services provided by the centre, including a health care project with application of cloud technology, encouraging participation by the elderly in volunteer training and voluntary work and offering courses for elderly people to acquire new knowledge and skills.
 
     Mr Wong toured the facilities of the centre. He also chatted with the elderly there to learn about their daily lives and listened to them discuss their experiences in joining the various activities of the centre.

        

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, chaired the fourth meeting of the Human Resources Planning Commission this afternoon (November 23).  
 
     At the meeting, the Commission agreed to put in place a new one-stop portal on manpower information to integrate data and information on major industries, key occupations and relevant training courses from the Government and other organisations to help people with diverse needs to access comprehensive information when making plans for their career, education and training pathways, and development trajectories. The Commission will work closely with the relevant stakeholders to gather and co-ordinate relevant information for publication through the portal.
 
     Mr Cheung said, “The proposed portal will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong that amalgamates information and data pertaining to human resources planning from different sources so as to provide a single platform that significantly enhances user experience and information accessibility.”
      
       Members were also briefed on the latest developments and adoption of technology as well as its potential to improve existing business models and public services. As technological development has created more industries and employment opportunities, Members noted that the Government has implemented a number of measures to strengthen manpower training and attract outside talents to ensure that there is adequate manpower to harness such opportunities. On the other hand, the Government has been promoting the adoption of technology in the community with a view to boosting productivity and alleviating the pressure of a potentially dwindling labour force on economic growth. At the meeting, Members discussed ways to enhance manpower development in Hong Kong and how best to equip the local labour force with the necessary skills to excel in an increasingly technology-oriented economic environment.
   
      Members further took note of the results of the IMD World Talent Ranking 2018 released by the International Institute for Management Development. The Ranking assessed the performance of 63 economies in developing, attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals, with Hong Kong ranked second in Asia and 18th globally. It also re-affirmed Hong Kong’s strengths in attracting outside talents. Members recognised that the current-term Government has been increasing the investment in education to nurture more local talents to support the long-term development of Hong Kong. The Government will continue to implement different measures to enhance the human capital of Hong Kong.
 

     The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, visited Yuen Long District today (November 23) to meet with young people in two schools and District Council members.

     Accompanied by the Chairman of the Yuen Long District Council, Mr Shum Ho-kit, and the District Officer (Yuen Long), Mr Enoch Yuen, Ms Cheng visited Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau College in Tin Shui Wai. She was briefed by staff and students on the school's operation and the developments in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education.

     She chatted with students and saw their creative works on animation production and a range of science-related topics, and encouraged them to continue to pursue STEAM activities to equip themselves with technology literacy and problem-solving skills to meet the challenges ahead.

     Ms Cheng then called at Yuen Long Long Ping Estate Tung Koon Primary School and received a briefing by staff of the Police Community Relations Office of the Yuen Long District on "Project HIMALAYA". The project is being carried out in schools in the district to raise the interest of non-ethnic Chinese Junior Police Call members in joining the Police Force. Weekly Chinese classes are offered to enhance members' Chinese language proficiency. Police volunteers also share their skills and experiences of joining the Force through a Mentorship Programme to boost the members' confidence. Some students shared their experiences and thoughts on the project with Ms Cheng during the visit.

     Before concluding her visit, Ms Cheng met with members of the Yuen Long District Council and exchanged views on issues of concern.