The Government yesterday (March 1) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effec… read more
​ The Government yesterday (March 1) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effective fr… read more
The Government today (March 2) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a “restriction-testing declaration” effective from 1pm, under which people (hereafter referred to as “persons subject to compulsory testing”) within the specified “restricted area” in Yuen Long (i.e. Yiu Shing House, Tin Yiu (I) Estate, Yuen Long, excluding units 1-3 on G/F. See Annex.) are required to stay in their premises and undergo compulsory testing. Persons subject to compulsory testing are required to stay in their premises until all such persons identified in the “restricted area” have undergone testing and the test results are mostly ascertained. The Government aims at finishing this exercise at about noon tomorrow (March 3). The operation may be extended depending on test results.
A Government spokesman said, “Under Cap. 599J, the Government can, according to the needs of infection control, make a ‘restriction-testing declaration’. As the sewage discharged from the above building was tested positive for COVID-19, it is suspected that there are asymptomatic patients in the building. Given the risk of infection in the relevant area is assessed to be likely higher, the Government decided to make a ‘restriction-testing declaration’ for the relevant area.”
The Government will set up temporary specimen collection stations at the “restricted area” and request persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo testing before 8pm today. Arrangements will be made for persons subject to compulsory testing to undergo a nucleic acid test at specimen collection stations where dedicated staff will collect samples through combined nasal and throat swabs. Persons subject to compulsory testing must stay at their place of residence until all test results are ascertained to avoid cross-infection risk. The Government will make arrangement to facilitate specimen collection for people with impaired mobility.
The Government spokesman said, “We understand that this exercise will cause inconvenience to the public. The Government has made arrangements to carry out testing for all persons present in the ‘restricted area’ as soon as possible. The aim is to strive to complete testing of all identified persons subject to compulsory testing and confirm the results, and finish the exercise at around noon tomorrow. The Government will make a public announcement when the declaration expires officially. In the cases in which employees are unable to go to work because of the declaration, the Government hopes their employers can exercise discretion and not deduct the salaries or benefits of the employees.”
If staying in the “restricted area” will cause unreasonable hardship to individuals who are not residents in the area when the declaration takes effect, government officers may exercise discretion and allow that person to leave the area after considering the individual circumstances. That person must have followed the instructions to undergo testing and leave his/her personal information for contact purposes.
According to the compulsory testing notice to be issued today, any person who had been present at the above building for more than two hours from February 17 to March 2, 2022, even if they were not present in the “restricted area” at the time when the declaration took effect, must undergo compulsory testing on or before March 4, 2022. As a mutant strain is involved, for prudence’s sake, vaccinated persons and persons who have recently been tested are also required to undergo testing.
The Government appeals to persons subject to compulsory testing for their full co-operation by registering and undergoing testing, and waiting for the results patiently at home. The Government will strictly follow up on whether the persons concerned have complied with the compulsory testing notices and “restriction-testing declaration”. Any person who fails to comply with the compulsory testing notices commits an offence and may be fined a fixed penalty of $10,000. The person would also be issued with a compulsory testing order requiring him or her to undergo testing within a specified time frame. Failure to comply with the compulsory testing order or the “restriction-testing declaration” is an offence and the offender would be liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. read more
The Government yesterday (March 1) exercised the power under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to make a "restriction-testing declaration" effec… read more
The Hong Kong 2022 International Urban Forestry Conference, organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB), was conducted online today (March 2). The biennial event is one of the celebration activities for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Under the theme “Well-being: Our Urban Forest‧Our Community”, the two-day online conference aims to provide a platform for renowned international experts, decision-makers, academics and industry professionals to share experiences, exchange best practices on urban forestry management and renew ties with one another.
In her opening address, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said never before have the benefits of the environment and well-being been more essential, more in demand. The urban forest provides much more than fresh air, exercise and quiet time. It also offers therapeutic and restorative value at community and personal levels.
“Greening and landscaping have been widely incorporated in the planning of our new development areas. Through the planning strategy ‘Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030’ (Hong Kong 2030+), my Government is committed to ensuring that Hong Kong remains a liveable, competitive and sustainable city – Asia’s World City”, Mrs Lam said. She mentioned one of the goals under Hong Kong 2030+ is to develop the city in close concert with nature. In the conference, a number of presentation topics by renowned international speakers, including a specialist from the World Health Organization, have a similar vision on planning cities to connect humans with nature, developing nature-based ecological infrastructure, and creating beautiful living spaces. Their presentations provide valuable learning opportunities for cross-disciplinary practitioners in planning and formulating future developments that aspire to a liveable and sustainable environment for Hong Kong.
With the US$26 million (HK$200 million) Urban Forestry Support Fund launched in mid-2020, Mrs Lam said the focus in Hong Kong continues to be on developing arboriculture and horticulture talent. “To date, some 430 students have been approved under the study scheme, while close to 100 graduates are now engaged as trainees in private companies, as well as government departments,” she added.
During the conference, over 20 speakers from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas will share their insights on four broad areas and sessions, namely Well-being Cities, Urban Forestry in the Greater Bay Area, Landscape Design for Health and Well-being, and the Healthy Urban Forest.
Co-organised by the Construction Industry Council, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, and supported by other government departments, green organisations as well as education and professional institutes, the conference has attracted over 1,700 registrations from both local and cities all over the world.
