Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 30) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, March 30, the CHP was investigating 2 994 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (664 confirmed cases, 649 asymptomatic cases and 1 681 cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 3 987 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RAT) (2 870 symptomatic cases and 1 117 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 732 286 and 418 483 cases that tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RAT respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of five imported cases and 2 989 locally acquired cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests, as well as 3 987 locally acquired cases tested positive by RAT. The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, March 30, a total of 7 493 deaths that have been tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) was recorded, with 7 444 and 47 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as two deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 7 706 deaths that have been tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

     Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (March 29), the total number of confirmed cases was 285 122, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases, pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 148 315, 10 and 295 845 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that the local situation of COVID-19 infection became severe recently and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility. With the higher transmissibility and risk of infection of the Omicron mutant strain, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with the social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings (particularly religious or cross-family activities and gatherings). This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     â€‹The spokesman reminded that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who are yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected. Meanwhile, a person who gets COVID-19 and influenza at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. Influenza vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and the length of stay. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccination early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/17980.html).

  

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 30) visited the packaging centre for anti-epidemic service bags at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai, in the company of the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Acting Director of Home Affairs, Miss Vega Wong; and the Acting Director of Information Services, Ms Grace Ng. Mrs Lam received briefings on the procedures of packaging and arrangements of distribution by a centre manager. Accompanied by Mr Chan, she then joined the packaging work with civil service colleagues. They put anti-epidemic supplies, including “Lianhua Qingwen Jiaonang”, which is an anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicine donated by the Mainland, and a message card into a bag, finishing the packaging together.

     Mrs Lam said that the operation on packaging and distribution of anti-epidemic service bags is not simply about material distribution, it is also anti-epidemic work that inculcates a culture of positive attitude and motivation in the community. She was encouraged by civil servants and volunteers from different sectors, including members of the Legislative Council, the Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link, the Anti-Coronavirus Link of 18 districts, over 230 local organisations and non-government organisations, clansman organisations, charity groups, volunteer and uniformed groups, religious groups and ethnic minority groups, to fight the epidemic with one heart in this operation.

     The packaging work on the first day went very smoothly and the progress was excellent. The packaging of all 3.5 million anti-epidemic service bags is expected to be completed on schedule or even ahead of schedule.

     Moreover, the Secretaries of Departments and the Directors of Bureaux today also visited packaging centres in several districts, giving encouragement to participating civil servants from their teams and volunteers from all sectors.

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, today visited packaging centres at Lai Kok Community Hall in Sham Shui Po and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin to participate in the packaging work and give encouragement to the civil servants and volunteers from various sectors. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, visited packaging centres at Quarry Bay Sports Centre in Eastern District and Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre in Kwun Tong. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, also visited a packaging centre at Ho Lap College (sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen) in Wong Tai Sin to show her support to the staff members.

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, this morning visited packaging centres at Tsuen Wan Catholic Primary School in Tsuen Wan, Stanley Sports Centre in Southern District, Kwong Yuen Community Hall in Sha Tin and Lai Kok Community Hall in Sham Shui Po respectively, to show their support to the staff members, as well as take part in the packaging work.

     The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong; and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, visited Ho Lap College (sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen) in Wong Tai Sin, Queen Elizabeth School in Yau Tsim Mong, Quarry Bay Sports Centre in Eastern District, Kwai Fong Community Hall in Kwai Tsing, Chun Wah Road Sports Centre in Kwun Tong and Kowloon Tong Government Primary School in Kowloon City respectively, to join the packaging work and give support to civil service volunteers in the packaging centre this afternoon.

     After packaging anti-epidemic service bags, the Government will start distributing anti-epidemic service bags in 18 districts in Hong Kong from April 2. The distribution is expected to be completed within seven days. Several distribution points for people who cannot receive anti-epidemic service bags can collect the bags at the points. They will be set up in each district to fill the gaps in the arrangements. The Government hopes that the distribution of the medical supplies can enhance people’s anti-epidemic awareness and ability. read more

     The Task Force of Supplies from the Mainland led by the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) has been working closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government to explore various means to stabilise the supply of goods from the Mainland to Hong Kong. In addition to road transport arrangements, transportation of goods by water and railway are already in service.
   
     A spokesperson for the THB said that the “Sea Express” water transportation service from the Mainland to Hong Kong has been fully launched and its capacity is rising to increase the supplies of fresh food, other daily necessities and manufacturing materials. The current supply of fresh food from the Mainland is stable.
 
     Currently, there are three water transportation routes between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, namely (1) from Shenzhen Yantian International Container Terminals to Hong Kong Kwai Tsing Container Terminals (KTCT); (2) from Shenzhen DaChan Bay Terminals to KTCT; and (3) from China Merchants Port (South China) Management Center (Shenzhen Mawan, Shekou and Chiwan Container Terminals) to Hong Kong River Trade Terminal and elsewhere. Together with the water transportation routes from other cities in Guangdong Province, including the routes from Guangzhou Lianhuashan Port, Zhongshan Huangpu Port and Zhuhai Doumen Port to Hong Kong Tuen Mun Chu Kong Pier, the water transport capacity amounts to tens of thousands of tonnes daily.
 
     The spokesperson said today (March 30) that Shenzhen transported around 4 510 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cross-boundary supplies by water yesterday (March 29), equivalent to about 31 210 tonnes of goods, of which around 20 TEUs (about 190 tonnes) were fresh food and around 4 490 TEUs (about 31 020 tonnes) were non-fresh food, according to information from the Mainland authorities.
 
     Since the launch of services from the three ports in Shenzhen since February 18 to yesterday, a total of around 81 210 TEUs of cross-boundary supplies have been transported, equivalent to about 601 090 tonnes of goods, of which around 1 020 TEUs (about 9 230 tonnes) were fresh food and around 80 190 TEUs (about 591 860 tonnes) were non-fresh food.
 
     As for rail cargo, mainly anti-epidemic supplies are being transported at the moment. Eleven TEUs with a total of 29 tonnes of goods were transported to Hong Kong yesterday. Since its launch on March 2 and up to yesterday, more than 1 310 tonnes of goods including anti-epidemic supplies such as COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits and protective gowns were transported to Hong Kong.
 
     To further ensure a stable goods supply to Hong Kong through land transport, a trial run of cargo transfer was conducted by the THB at a yard situated on Kam Pok Road, San Tin, Yuen Long, and it was completed smoothly. The THB will continue to work with the Mainland authorities to fully take forward cargo transfer arrangements on the Hong Kong side. It is a contingency measure in response to the latest epidemic situation in the city so as to reduce the risk of epidemic transmission in both the Mainland and Hong Kong, ensuring both smooth cross-boundary land transport and a stable goods supply to Hong Kong.
 
     Meanwhile, to avoid a spillover of the epidemic, the Transport Department (TD) has arranged for dedicated staff to conduct RATs for cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers at various land boundary control points (BCPs) from February 28 onwards. Only drivers with a negative result are allowed to enter the Mainland. In order to further improve the accuracy of the tests, the TD has already replaced the RATs with rapid nucleic acid tests at the BCPs. A total of 1 593 rapid nucleic acid tests were conducted yesterday in which no driver preliminarily tested positive.
 
     The THB will closely monitor the situation and co-operate with the Mainland authorities to facilitate and implement various measures to ensure a stable goods supply to Hong Kong, with a view to complementing the supply through road, water and railway transport, enhancing the capacity and efficiency as well as optimising the flow of cross-boundary supplies. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority.      The Hospital Authority today (March 30) announced information regarding patients who tested positive via admission screening or testing with patients or staff members i… read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority.      The Hospital Authority today (March 30) announced information regarding patients who tested positive via admission screening or testing with patients or staff members i… read more