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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 24) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.
 
     “The case involves a female patient aged 38 with a history of good health. According to the patient, she received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin on the Mainland on January 12. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. She presented with symptoms including shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness and exhaustion on the following day (January 13). She attended North District Hospital and was admitted on January 17. She subsequently developed swallowing difficulties and limbs weakness. She has been in stable condition after treatment and was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
 
     “In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.
 
     Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
 
     The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
 

• Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop after injections, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

 
     The public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP’s botulism page for more information.​ read more

     â€‹Hongkong Post announced today (January 24) that, as advised by the postal administration of Greece, mail delivery services previously impacted by a local strike have returned to normal. read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more

     The Government has, with effect from today (January 24), opened a specified section of road within the frontier closed area (FCA) near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok, by exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit for the public travelling by green minibus passing through this section of road, with a view to facilitating travel for members of the public and tourists to Lin Ma Hang Village and Robin’s Nest Country Park.

     A spokesman for the Security Bureau stated, “Robin’s Nest Country Park was established in November last year. Having considered public views on opening the relevant section of road within the FCA near Lin Ma Hang Village and after careful study of the feasibility, the Government decided to implement special arrangements to open the relevant road portion.”

     The Hong Kong Police Force published in the Gazette today that, pursuant to section 38A(1) of the Public Order Ordinance, the requirement to apply for a closed area permit would be exempted for any person travelling to and from Lin Ma Hang Village by green minibus passing through the road within the FCA between Wang Lek and the entrance of Lin Ma Hang Village. Starting from today, members of the public and tourists can take green minibus No. 59K (Sheung Shui Station – Lin Ma Hang) from Sheung Shui MTR Station to reach Lin Ma Hang Village through the relevant section of road within the FCA. After alighting, members of the public can visit tourist attractions such as MacIntosh Forts and Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine directly via the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail and can continue towards the direction of Sha Tau Kok via the Robin’s Nest Country Trail to enjoy the scenery around Yan Chau Tong and Shenzhen Wutong Mountain.

      “We hope this measure can facilitate visits by members of the public and tourists to Robin’s Nest Country Park and nearby areas for sightseeing and experiencing Hong Kong’s rich geological features and historical heritage,” the spokesman said. The spokesman added that this exemption is only applicable to persons travelling by green minibus through the relevant section of road within the FCA and does not apply to private vehicles, taxis or other vehicles without a valid closed road permit, or to members of the public using other means of travel such as walking or cycling.

     “In fact, there are various ways to visit Robin’s Nest Country Park, not limited to the above road within the FCA. Members of the public and tourists may choose other transportation means and routes, including New Territories green minibus No. 55K (Sheung Shui Station – Sha Tau Kok), KMB bus No. 78K (Sheung Shui Station – Sha Tau Kok), or KMB bus No. 277A (Lam Tin Station – Sha Tau Kok), to arrive at the Tam Shui Hang stop of Sha Tau Kok Road (Shek Chung Au), and then to the entrance of the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail through Shan Tsui Village Road. Public transport operators will closely monitor passenger demand and reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to enhance frequency according to actual passenger growth,” the spokesman said.

     For more information on Robin’s Nest Country Park, please visit the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s website (www.afcd.gov.hk) or the Enjoy Hiking website (www.hiking.gov.hk).

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     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded his visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 23, Davos time). He attended thematic meetings at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with political, business and financial leaders from around the globe.

     In the morning, Mr Chan participated in a discussion session titled “Stemming Financial Fragmentation” and served as one of the panelist’s. The session focused on addressing the risks of financial fragmentation amid rising geopolitical tensions.

     Mr Chan noted that while geopolitics may subject regional and global financial markets to greater volatility, Hong Kong boasts a robust financial system and strong buffer, maintains a free and open business environment, and steadfastly upholds the linked exchange rate system. A recent survey conducted by a foreign chamber of commerce in Hong Kong revealed that international investors and companies remain optimistic about the city’s business prospects. He emphasised that Hong Kong’s financial markets have undergone remarkable transformation on various fronts, including the stock market and asset and wealth management business which have achieved significant growth since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is actively embracing financial innovation, including the development of digital assets, with appropriate regulations in place to promote the responsible and sustainable growth. In response to questions, Mr Chan stated that China’s economy is steadily advancing, with solid progress towards high-quality development. The country is also committed to accelerating high-level openness and mutually beneficial cooperation as its national policy.

     Later, Mr Chan participated in a thematic meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, where he spoke on promoting investment in climate projects. He noted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, plays to its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”: on one hand, Hong Kong provides financial support for green and transition projects through its comprehensive financial services; on the other hand, it actively seeks to facilitate cooperation among the public, private and philanthropic sectors. Examples include hosting international conferences such as “Wealth for Good in Hong Kong”, which brings together decision-makers from global funds (including family funds) to promote synergies between global wealth and climate projects, thereby fostering impact investments. Through these efforts, Hong Kong seeks to make greater contributions to regional and global sustainable development.

     Mr Chan also continued his meetings with various political and business leaders yesterday. He held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, and the Minister of Finance of Egypt, Mr Ahmed Kouchouk, respectively. During these meetings, they exchanged views on international and regional landscapes, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral investment and trade relations. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong actively seeks to develop trade relations with “Global South” countries, and extended invitations to the Ministers to lead business delegations to Hong Kong to explore mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the President and the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson, to discuss the business expansion plans of the international fund group in the region. They also exchanged views on the current global economic and financial market landscapes.

     Mr Chan is scheduled to depart from Switzerland today (January 24, Davos time) and will return to Hong Kong on Saturday morning (January 25, Hong Kong time).

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