In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) hosted a gala dinner in Singapore today (August 3) with over 300 guests attending the event.
            
     Addressing the gala dinner in a virtual keynote speech, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, highlighted that Hong Kong has embarked on an amazing journey over the past quarter century. With the unprecedented principle of "one country, two systems" and strong support by the Central Government, Hong Kong has made impressive achievements on multiple fronts. It has been recognised as the world's freest economy, the world's number three financial centre, the fifth-most competitive economy internationally, the world's largest offshore Renminbi business hub, while holding the world's number one ranking in terms of air cargo throughput.

     He said that although Hong Kong had encountered various challenges over the past 25 years, it has succeeded to overcome each and every hurdle, and has reached new heights. Hong Kong is blessed with immense opportunities, underpinned by the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

     Mr Yau added that Hong Kong and Singapore have long enjoyed good relations, with Singapore becoming Hong Kong's fourth-largest trading partner. There is ample room for further co-operation across a wide range of areas including trade and investment, financial services, education, culture, and innovation and technology.

     Guests attending the gala dinner included the Minister for Health of Singapore, Mr Ong Ye Kung, the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Ms Sun Haiyan, and representatives from a wide spectrum of sectors including political and business circles, media and academia, as well as government representatives. The Singapore ETO's longstanding contacts in aviation, culture and shipping sectors, and the Hong Kong communities currently staying in Singapore also attended. 

     To share with guests a unique taste of Hong Kong's cuisine, Hong Kong-style milk tea was served at the venue. A group of Hong Kong and Singapore musicians performed at the gala dinner to showcase a successful cultural collaboration of young talents from both places.

     The gala dinner is one of two dinners hosted by the Singapore ETO under the theme "A New Era – Stability • Prosperity • Opportunity" to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. The Singapore ETO will host another gala dinner in Vietnam on August 27.

      

     â€‹The Government exercises the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) and publishes in the Gazette a compulsory testing notice, which requires any person who had been present at 65 specified places during the specified period (persons subject to compulsory testing) to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test.

     In view of a number of cases testing positive, 60 specified places are included in the compulsory testing notice. Furthermore, since some sewage samples collected in Pok Fu Lam and Tin Shui Wai have tested positive, five specified premises are included in the compulsory testing notice. The Government strongly reminds members of the public to strictly follow the compulsory testing requirements and undergo testing on time as required. Mobile specimen collection stations have been set up by the Government in different districts to facilitate testing to be conducted in compliance with the compulsory testing notice. The above compulsory testing requirement applies to those who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination course as well.

     Persons who have tested positive in the past three months (including positive cases tested either by nucleic acid tests recorded by the Department of Health (DH) or by rapid antigen tests (RATs) that have been self-declared to the DH) do not need to undergo compulsory testing. For those who are subject to compulsory testing (save for those who have declared their positive RAT results as mentioned above), they must undergo nucleic acid tests in accordance with relevant compulsory testing notices and cannot use RATs to fulfil the requirement of such notices. In other words, a negative RAT result cannot be deemed as fulfilling the compulsory testing requirement. Furthermore, unless a person subject to compulsory testing has obtained a medical certificate proving that he or she is unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons, the person cannot provide a deep throat saliva sample to fulfil the compulsory testing requirement.

     Details of the compulsory testing notice are available on the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)'s website via the following link: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ctn_20220803.pdf.

     If any persons test positive under compulsory testing, such positive cases will be handled in the same manner as in those identified through other nucleic acid tests or self-declared through RATs. Their isolation arrangements (as well as the quarantine arrangements of their household members) are no different from other positive cases.

     Persons subject to compulsory testing in accordance with a compulsory testing notice must go to any of the mobile specimen collection stations, community testing centres (CTCs) or recognised local medical testing institutions to undergo professional swab sampling in fulfilling the requirements for compulsory testing. Young children may continue to undergo the test using a stool specimen. For details on obtaining stool specimen bottles, please refer to the COVID-19 thematic website: www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/Stool_bottle_collection_points.pdf.

     If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon "extreme conditions" announcement by the Government is in force at any time during the period for undergoing the compulsory testing, the period for undergoing the compulsory testing will be extended for one day.

     The Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from COVID-19. They can provide protection to those vaccinated to prevent serious complications and even death after infection. The Government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated without delay. The Government is working towards the goal of boosting the vaccination rates of children, teenagers and the elderly so that they can be protected by the vaccines as early as possible. Furthermore, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the CHP of the DH has earlier updated the consensus interim recommendations that a three-dose series of Comirnaty vaccine (each dose is one-tenth of that for an adult) may be administered to children aged six months to under five years; and a three-dose series of CoronaVac vaccine (each dose of the same dosage as that for an adult) for children aged six months to less than three years.  Besides, persons aged 50 and above may receive the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine after at least three months from the third dose. Members of the public who are eligible should get the fourth dose as early as possible for better protection.

     CTCs provide testing services for the public. Booking and walk-in services are available. Members of the public only need to provide simple personal information on the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en). The system shows the booking status of the centres for the coming two weeks to facilitate the public's planning and selection of a suitable testing centre and a time slot for testing. The testing centres will accord priority to serve individuals with advance bookings. As of 6pm today (August 3), there was around 96 per cent availability for booking places for the coming two weeks. Members of the public may call the testing centres for enquiries on the availability of bookings or walk-in quotas before visiting the centres.
 
   The Government will reopen the mobile specimen collection stations at Wah Fu (I) Estate in Pok Fu Lam, Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan and Park Island in Ma Wan tomorrow (August 4). Separately, ticketing machines have been installed in a number of service points for on-site ticket arrangement. Members of the public who have obtained a ticket can visit the CTC website (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to check the real-time queueing ticket status. Booking service is also provided for some large-scale mobile specimen collection stations, and members of the public may use the 24-hour booking system (www.communitytest.gov.hk/en) to reserve a suitable time slot for testing.
 
     Other than persons subject to compulsory testing, all members of the public may conduct free testing at CTCs or mobile specimen collection stations (if the service scope is applicable). The Government will also continue to provide free nucleic acid testing service for eligible persons of targeted groups, visitors to public hospitals and residential care homes and all elderly people aged 60 or above at CTCs and mobile specimen collection stations. The opening dates and operating hours of the mobile specimen collection stations are stated in the Annex.
 
     Outdoor mobile specimen collection stations will be closed if the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 or Red Rainstorm Warning Signal has been issued, while all mobile specimen collection stations together with all CTCs will be closed when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force. Any changes in the arrangements of testing service will be announced on site, and members of the public may also pay attention to the relevant press releases.

     Persons subject to compulsory testing may choose to undergo testing via the following routes:

(a) For tests which require using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs
1. To visit any of the mobile specimen collection stations (see the list and target groups (if applicable) at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html) for testing;
2. To attend any of the CTCs (see the list at www.communitytest.gov.hk/en);
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results (see the list at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories_RTPCR.pdf), and the relevant sample must be taken through combined nasal and throat swabs; or
4. To use a specimen bottle distributed to the relevant specified premises by the CHP (if applicable), and return the specimen bottle with the stool sample collected as per relevant guidelines.

(b) For persons holding a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner proving that they are unfit to undergo testing using a sample taken through combined nasal and throat swabs because of health reasons
1. To obtain a deep throat saliva specimen collection pack from post offices, vending machines set up at MTR stations or designated general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) of the Hospital Authority and return the specimen to one of the designated specimen collection points (see the distribution points and times, and the specimen collection points and times, at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/early-testing.html);
2. To undergo testing at any of the GOPCs of the Hospital Authority as instructed by a medical professional of the Hospital Authority; or
3. To self-arrange testing provided by private laboratories which are recognised by the DH and can issue SMS notifications in respect of test results.

     A Government spokesman cautioned that testing received at the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Hospital Authority, or testing provided by private laboratories which cannot issue SMS notifications in respect of test results, does not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned compulsory testing notice.

     "If persons subject to compulsory testing have symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately and undergo testing as instructed by a medical professional. They should not attend the mobile specimen collection stations or the CTCs."

     Persons subject to compulsory testing must keep the SMS notifications containing the result of the test and the relevant medical certificate (if applicable) for checking by a law enforcement officer when the officer requires the persons to provide information about their undergoing the specified test.

     Any enquiries on compulsory testing arrangements may be addressed to the hotline at 6275 6901, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.

     The Government will continue to trace possibly infected persons who had been to relevant premises, and seriously verify whether they had complied with the testing notices. Any person who fails to comply with the testing notices commits an offence and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. The fixed penalty for discharging the liability is $10,000. The person may also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Any person in breach of the compulsory testing order would be liable to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for six months.

     The spokesman said, "The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health conditions, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons."

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
     
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Standby Signal No.1 has been issued, the Marine Department reminds vessel owners, masters and persons-in-charge of vessels that they should take precautionary measures immediately and properly secure their vessels at safe locations.

     In case of an accident, a report should be made immediately to the Vessel Traffic Centre at 2233 7801.

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (August 3) hosted a session on "Spirit of the President's Important Speech" at the Central Government Offices, with more than 100 senior personnel and representatives of financial regulators as well as colleagues of the Financial Secretary's Office in attendance. With regard to the important speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Chan shared its core message, its meaning to the development of the local economic and financial markets, and the way to fully implement its spirit in work.

     Addressing the session, Mr Chan outlined how President Xi's important speech holds profound historic logic; anchors the historical principle for the implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong; provides direction for development; and strengthens confidence among all sectors, local and overseas, to keep inseparable faith on the long-term implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong.

     President Xi raised in his important speech "four musts": the HKSAR Government must fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems", it must uphold the Central Government's overall jurisdiction while securing the HKSAR's high degree of autonomy, it must ensure that Hong Kong is administered by patriots, and it must maintain Hong Kong's distinctive status and advantages. President Xi also laid down "four proposals" for the newly inaugurated Government, i.e. further improving its governance, continuing to create strong impetus for growth, earnestly addressing people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, and working together to safeguard harmony and stability. President Xi also highlighted the need to give love and care to young people, and help them with their difficulties in studies, employment, entrepreneurship, and purchasing of housing.

      Mr Chan said the "four musts" and the "four proposals" raised by President Xi are the guiding ideology and action plan for fostering Hong Kong's future economic development. He said that the speech by President Xi clearly pointed out that the fundamental purpose of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests of the nation. Financial regulators must keep in mind this principle at all times and safeguard Hong Kong's financial security on all fronts.
 
     He added that the President's important speech elevated the maintenance of Hong Kong's distinctive status and advantages in the implementation of "one country, two systems", with its importance further emphasised. The Central Government fully supports Hong Kong in enhancing its status as an international financial centre, and has pointed out clear positioning for Hong Kong's future development. Financial regulators should thoroughly consider the relationship between a highly efficient market and a capable government, and act proactively to continuously strengthen the impetus of growth of the financial industry. Hong Kong can thus continue to serve as an indispensable gateway and bridge for the country to the outside world, and strive for higher quality and further development of Hong Kong's financial sector and economy.
 
     Mr Chan also stressed that President Xi had asked the HKSAR Government to address people's concerns and difficulties in daily life earnestly. The "people-centred" development concept must always be adhered to in forming, developing and implementing financial policies or initiatives, with a view to allowing the benefits to reach more people and levels.
 
     The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, also spoke at the session and shared his understanding of President Xi's speech. Senior representatives of financial regulators also shared their insights during the session.

    

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     A spokesman for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said today (August 3) that the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, had tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test. He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health.

     Mr Yue last went to work on August 1. He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work, including rapid antigen tests conducted regularly. He has no recent travel history.

     The HKMA has conducted a thorough cleaning and disinfection at the office concerned and will continue to implement disease prevention measures vigorously. All staff members have also been reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and stay vigilant.