Following is a question by the Hon Wong Ting-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, in the Legislative Council today (April 28):
 
Question:
 
     To reduce the risk of the coronavirus disease 2019 spreading in catering premises, the Government announced on the 17th of last month that the seating areas of dine-in catering premises must be in compliance with the following requirement on or before the 30th of this month: (1) fresh air change per hour therein must be at six times or above, or (2) air purifiers meeting the specified specifications have been installed. Quite a number of catering business operators (the operators) have relayed to me that as they lack the knowledge about ventilation and air purifiers, they can hardly complete the ventilation works concerned and obtain a certificate of compliance issued by a registered specialist contractor (ventilation works category) (contractor) within such a short time. The expenditure to be incurred for complying with the requirement will also aggravate their already heavy financial burden. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it will publish, for reference by the operators, the ranges of the fees to be charged by a contractor for (i) undertaking the works concerned and (ii) issuing the certificate; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether it will expeditiously provide subsidies and technical support for the operators, so as to facilitate their compliance with the requirement; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) whether it will exercise discretion to provide a grace period for the operators or postpone the commencement date of the requirement; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     In the directions issued on March 17, 2021 in relation to catering business under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Secretary for Food and Health stipulated a requirement on air change or air purifiers to be complied with in dine-in catering premises. Operators are required to register on the website of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) on or before April 30, 2021 to declare that the seating areas of their premises have a minimum of six air changes per hour or air purifiers that meet the specified specifications installed according to the on-the-ground situation (including the site condition) and the manufacturer's manual. Certification issued by a registered specialist contractor (ventilation works category) has to be submitted at the same time.
      
     At present, there is no uniform worldwide standard on ventilation requirements for catering premises to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Yet it is generally agreed that ventilation improvement measures could assist in infection control. The Government has made reference to various materials from other places, such as ventilation standards applicable to non-residential buildings, relevant scientific and clinical research, and information provided by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers of the United Kingdom and others on design guidelines for ventilation systems at public venues (including catering premises). A balance has been struck between relevant factors including the effectiveness of the measures and their affordability to the trade.
      
     We hope that the trade could fulfil the relevant ventilation requirement as soon as possible to protect the health of staff, customers and the public and to reinforce the public's confidence in patronising catering premises. We could then refrain from using a "stop and go" approach on the catering industry in the face of epidemic situations in future as far as possible.
 
     My reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
 
(1) and (2) To enable the smooth implementation of the requirement, the FEHD has established a Working Group comprising experts from a wide spectrum of backgrounds including public health, engineering, surveying and ventilation. The Working Group and relevant government departments are adopting a multi-pronged approach to help catering business operators and ventilation works contractors fulfil the requirement. Apart from meeting with representatives of catering premises, specialist contractors (ventilation works category), electrical appliance suppliers, hotels and other relevant trades, site visits have been conducted at a number of catering premises (including a bar, a Chinese restaurant, a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant and a hotel restaurant).
 
     On assisting catering business operators and specialist contractors (ventilation works category), the Working Group and relevant government departments have made the following progress:
 
(i) an online platform, with a link (www.bd.gov.hk/en/resources/online-tools/registers-search/registrationsearch.html) to the webpage of the Buildings Department containing the list of 180 specialist contractors (ventilation works category), was launched by the FEHD on March 18, 2021 for registration in respect of catering premises;
 
(ii) a list of air purifiers meeting the specified specifications was announced and uploaded to the FEHD's website on April 1, 2021.  The composite list (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide_general_reference/Information_air-changes_purification.html) will be updated from time to time based on supplementary information submitted. As at April 19, 2021, a total of 305 air purifiers met the specified specifications. According to the information obtained by the Working Group, there is a stock of around 36 000 air purifiers of models that meet the specified specifications available in the market (while individual demand and supply may be subject to commercial considerations); and
 
(iii) a Guide on Compliance with Requirement on Air Change/Air Purifiers in Seating Areas of Dine-in Catering Premises (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide_general_reference/guide_on_compliance_with_requirement_on_air_change.html) was promulgated on April 12, 2021 with a video uploaded to the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide_general_reference/Reference_Video_for_ACH-Air_purifier.mp4) to enable the trade to master the essential points on specific technical details and facilitate expeditious follow-up arrangements for the prompt compliance with the relevant ventilation requirement.
 
     According to the information obtained by the Working Group from the Hong Kong Registered Specialist Contractors (Ventilation) Association, contractors in general will use specific calibration instrument to assess the per hour air change level of catering premises and then complete the registration at FEHD's website by providing the data as well as the certificate issued by them certifying the relevant air change level per hour and/or the air purifiers installed. The Association has set up a telephone hotline for catering business operators to directly contact contractors who are interested in providing the service. In addition, the Working Group has invited device suppliers to provide on the FEHD's website information (including price range) on their air purifiers that meet the specified specifications. 
            
     The Working Group and relevant Government departments will continue to enhance publicity and education with a view to assisting the trade in grasping the key concepts and relevant follow-up arrangements regarding enhancement of air change of premises and installation of air purifiers; organise a webinar for direct communication between catering business operators and specialist contractors (ventilation works category); and continue to meet with representatives of the trades and the stakeholders.
 
(3) According to the guideline issued on March 17, 2021, catering business operators must submit an application to the FEHD for extension of time if they cannot complete the registration before the deadline. The FEHD will consider each application on individual merits. Catering business operators need not be overly worried. If they have taken reasonably practicable steps in an attempt to meet the relevant requirement but still consider it necessary to apply for an extension, they can download the application form from the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide_general_reference/Application_for_extension_of_time_for_registration_on_air_change_installation_of_air_purifier_in_catering_premises.html) and submit their applications accordingly.
 
     During the initial period of implementing the new requirement, the FEHD will focus on publicity, education and giving advice, and will monitor the relevant situation closely for timely adjustments to the arrangement.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
     
     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender result: 
     

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 28) that in view of a notification from the General Veterinary Inspectorate of Poland about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Ostródzki District of WarmiÅ„sko-mazurskie Region in Poland, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the district with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 13 500 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 39.08 million poultry eggs from Poland last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the Polish authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 0.00am, April 28, the CHP was investigating seven additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 756 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 755 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     Among the newly reported cases announced, six are imported cases and one is epidemiologically linked with local cases.
 
     A total of 141 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (April 14 to 27), including 35 local cases (including one possibly local) of which 16 are from unknown sources.
 
     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 the compulsory testing notice. 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 compulsory testing notices 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 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.
 
     "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.

     Following is a question by the Hon Yiu Si-wing and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (April 28):
 
Question:
 
     Some members of the tourism industry have pointed out that quite a number of famous tourist hotspots around the globe have attractions showcasing spectacular scenery of beautiful blooms. During flower viewing seasons, the tourism sectors in those places launch promotional activities in a pro-active manner and have attracted tourists from various places (with quite a number of them being residents of Hong Kong) to visit those hotspots. Contrarily, local residents and visitors to Hong Kong in general have little knowledge of the growing of flowers and other plants of ornamental value in various districts of Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it will compile a flora map to promote flower beds of a considerable scale across the territory to facilitate members of the public as well as tourists to visit them in the right seasons for appreciation and photo-taking;

(2) whether it will grow more flowers and plants of ornamental value in various districts of Hong Kong to increase the attractiveness of Hong Kong to tourists; if so, of the species of plants to be grown; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether it will deploy additional manpower to enhance efforts on planning and caring of the landscapes in various districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
         
Reply:
                                               
President:
 
     In response to the questions raised by the Hon Yiu Si-wing, in consultation with the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Home Affairs Bureau, my reply is as follows:
 
(1)  To facilitate public's appreciation of flowering plants, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has created a dedicated webpage "Blossoms Around Town" (http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/green/blossoms.html) to introduce common flowering trees and special ornamental plant species in LCSD parks as well as to provide timely information for locals and visitors to appreciate flower blossoms in different seasons. Besides, the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the DEVB has published the "Tree and Landscape Map" (www.greening.gov.hk/en/knowledge_database/map.html) to introduce special trees and green spaces of each district, including information on flowering plants, with a view to providing a guide for the public to visit these attractions to enjoy the local green spaces and landscape assets. 
 
     The Tourism Commission (TC), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the travel trade, has been promoting events and activities in local neighbourhoods with tourism appeal to visitors through various channels. As regards appreciation of plants and gardening in Hong Kong, apart from promoting the annual Hong Kong Flower Show on the DiscoverHongKong website, HKTB also makes use of its "Great Outdoor Hong Kong" platform to introduce natural scenery at various points of interest in different seasons, such as miscanthus (commonly known as silvergrass) at Sunset Peak, cherry blossoms at the Rotary Club Campsite on Tai Mo Shan, and Melaleuca leucadendra (commonly known as the paperbark tree) in Shing Mun Country Park. TC will, in collaboration with HKTB, continue promoting flowering appreciation events and activities arranged and organized by relevant departments to overseas visitors as appropriate.
 
(2) The Government is committed to promoting greening, landscape and tree management. In view of the growing interest of the public and visitors on flower appreciation in recent years, the Government has been identifying more appropriate locations for suitable planting in the 18 districts wherever possible.  The introduction of plants in parks under the management of LCSD, such as cherry trees in Hong Kong Velodrome Park, Yellow Pui in Nam Cheong Park and water lilies in Shing Mun Valley Park, has attracted many visitors during their flowering seasons every year. In view of the growing public interest on and appreciation for autumn scenery, LCSD has also planted some seasonal trees in suitable parks. For example, species that can create autumn forest scenes such as Bald Cypress and Chinese Swamp Cypress are planted in Tsing Yi Park for public enjoyment. The Hong Kong Flower Show, held in March every year in Victoria Park, is an annual spectacular event in the city which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
 
(3)  The Government has been rolling out various landscape and greening projects in an orderly manner, and will increase the manpower in accordance with the actual needs as appropriate, having regard to the new development projects of various departments as well as the progress of greening, landscaping and tree maintenance, to enhance the landscape planning and maintenance work in various districts.