Author Archives: hksar gov

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
      
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a fraudulent website and phishing instant message, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or e-mails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or One-Time Password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or instant message concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender result:    Tender date : June 30, 2021 (Wednesday) Settlement date … read more

     Five renowned soloists will come together to perform in a concert entitled “The RTHK Chamber Soloists” in August.
 
     The RTHK Chamber Soloists formed in the summer of 2018 with a vision to promote the making and appreciation of chamber music. Group members violinist Le Hoai-nam, violinist and violist Andrew Ling, cellist Laurent Perrin, clarinettist John Schertle and pianist Colleen Lee will be accompanied by guest violist Kaori Wilson. Together they will perform a selection of virtuoso compositions and a new work by a Hong Kong composer.
 
     The programme will include Elliot Leung’s “Quintet No. 2, ‘Gardiner Expressway'”(world premiere), Mendelssohn’s “Piano Quartet No. 2 in F minor, Op. 2”, Mozart’s “Trio in E flat, K. 498, ‘Kegelstatt'” and Copland’s “Sextet for Clarinet, Piano and String Quartet”.
 
     Le was born in Hanoi and began studying violin with his father at the age of 5. He was accepted by the Hanoi National Conservatory of Music when he was 7, and furthered his studies with Professor Michael Ma at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). He is currently the Principal Second Violin of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and teaches at the HKAPA.
 
     Ling began learning the violin at the age of 6 and studied with the late Professor Lin Yaoji at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. He went on to pursue violin performance studies at Indiana University and Rice University. Currently the Principal Viola of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil), he has garnered acclaim for his orchestral playing and solo recitals worldwide.
 
     French cellist Perrin began studying cello in Luxembourg and later in Spain, England and Canada. He is currently Assistant Principal Cello with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and teaches at the HKAPA, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University.
 
     Schertle is currently the Co-principal Clarinet of the HK Phil. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School, he was a prize winner at the National Arts Club Competition. Schertle has given masterclasses in Asia and serves on the faculties of the HKAPA and the Hong Kong Baptist University. 
 
     Pianist Lee was born in Hong Kong. Beyond her success in winning the 6th Prize at the 15th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, she has performed extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America in solo recitals and with orchestras. She is currently a member of the piano faculty at the HKAPA and the Hong Kong Baptist University, and is the Honorary Artist-in-Residence of the Education University of Hong Kong.
 
     “City Hall Virtuosi” Series: “The RTHK Chamber Soloists” is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The performance will be staged at 8pm on August 2 (Monday) at the Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $180 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1163.html. Another programme in the “City Hall Virtuosi” Series includes “Reunion Concert of Colleen Lee, Gallant Ho and Zhu Lin” (December 12). read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, June 30, the CHP was investigating two additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 924 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 923 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     Both of the newly reported cases are imported cases.

     Meanwhile, the CHP was notified today of two confirmed cases in the UK, which involved a 43-year-old female patient and a five-year-old male patient. They departed Hong Kong on June 18 to London via flight CX251. Their specimens collected on June 21 tested positive for COVID-19 and both of them remain asymptomatic. The CHP is following up the cases with the UK health authority and the epidemiological investigations of the cases are ongoing. As a prudent measure, the building (Horizon Suites in Ma On Shan) where they had resided will be put under a compulsory testing notice (CTN) today. Any person who had been present at the building for more than two hours during the period from June 5 to 30, 2021, has to undergo testing on or before July 2.

     A total of 41 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (June 16 to 29) including 39 imported cases and two import-related cases.

     The CHP’s epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the Annex or the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).

     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to CTNs. The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to CTNs published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop, and undergo testing as soon as possible.

     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

     The CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.

     The spokesman said, “Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases including mutant strains reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.

     “The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Moreover, vaccination may help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19, and, generally speaking, vaccines can also reduce the chance of transmission by those who have been vaccinated. People vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine can also generate herd immunity. Members of the public are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and book their vaccination appointments at the website (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp).

      “As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.”

     Moreover, the Government has launched the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the “StayHomeSafe” mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.

     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 30) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more