The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed to be carriers of Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) in medical wards, the spokes… read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, March 26, the CHP was investigating 11 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), taking the number of cases to 11 440 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 439 confirmed cases and one probable case).
Among the newly reported cases announced, eight are imported cases and one is a local case with an unknown source, while the remaining two cases are epidemiologically linked with local cases.
A total of 278 cases have been recorded in the past 14 days (March 12 to 25), including 204 local cases of which 37 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. read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 26) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
From March 19 to yesterday (March 25), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Indonesia during the incubation period.
As of yesterday, one imported case of DF had been recorded this year. In 2020, 22 cases of DF had been recorded (comprising 21 imported cases and one local case). The imported cases were from the Philippines (seven), Indonesia (five), Thailand (three), India (two), Malaysia (two) and Vietnam (two).
The CHP has been closely monitoring the latest DF situation in neighbouring and overseas areas. According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, as of February 28, four cases had been recorded in Guangdong this year. In Taiwan, as of yesterday, four imported cases (none local) had been recorded this year.
Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas has been uploaded to the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf). Members of the public should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.
​”Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.
DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold a public hearing on “Government’s efforts in tackling shoreline refuse” (Chapter 2) of the Director of Audit’s Report No.75 tomorrow (March 27) at 9am in Conference Room 1 of the LegCo Complex.
Eleven witnesses have been invited to appear before the above hearing to respond to points raised in the Report and answer questions asked by the PAC members.
The programme for the public hearing is as follows:
Subject: Government’s efforts in tackling shoreline refuse (Chapter 2 of the Director of Audit’s Report No.75)
Date: March 27 (Saturday)
Time: 9am
Venue: Conference Room 1
Witnesses:
Secretary for the Environment
Mr Wong Kam-sing
Director of Environmental Protection
Ms Maisie Cheng
Deputy Director of Environmental Protection (1)
Dr Samuel Chui
Assistant Director (Water Policy),
Environmental Protection Department
Mr Chen Che-kong
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Dr Leung Siu-fai
Acting Assistant Director (Country and Marine Parks),
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Dr Jackie Yip
Acting Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene
Miss Diane Wong
Acting Assistant Director (Operations) 3,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Mr Tse Yu-cheung
Senior Superintendent (Cleansing and Pest Control) 1,
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Mr Tse Ki-cheong
Director of Leisure and Cultural Services
Mr Vincent Liu
Assistant Director (Leisure Services) 1,
Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Mr Horman Chan
The PAC is chaired by Mr Abraham Shek, and its Deputy Chairman is Mr Paul Tse. Other members include Mr Steven Ho, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, Ms Yung Hoi-yan, Mr Lau Kwok-fan and Mr Tony Tse. read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: Tenders to be held on April 1: Tender date : April 1, 2021 Paper on offer : EF Bills Issue number… read more